Today, a single-lane gravel track between Broome and Derby has opened. It completes phase one of the plan to reconnect the two towns. Vehicles will be escorted along the section of Great Northern Highway under strict speed restrictions in alternating east-to-west convoys.

Derby has been cut off from Broome since New Year’s Eve, 2022, when floodwaters from ex-cyclone Ellie damaged the section of Great Northern Highway between them. Around ten kilometres of the road were severely damaged, of which three kilometres were completely washed away. It’s left inland towns and remote communities isolated.

For the past three weeks, a 40-person road reconstruction team has been working around the clock to remove debris and construct the track in place of the damaged section of the highway.

“Reopening this critical route has been an enormous challenge for Main Roads crews,” said Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson. “The damage to this road is immense, and the work has been done in often punishing conditions. I thank them for their efforts, which will help to speed up the recovery process and reconnect communities.”

But, the work on the damaged roadway is far from over. 

From Monday, 13th February, access to the track will be limited to twice-daily convoys (morning and afternoon) from both Derby and Broome, allowing road work crews to widen it for two-way flow. It’s anticipated this second phase of the Great Northern Highway reopening will be in place for at least two weeks.

Parts of the highway will remain unsealed until permanent repairs can happen in the dry season.

Travelling To Broome

Broome is still accessible from Perth by both road and air. 
There are no major road closures on the southern side of Broome, so road-trippers can make their way up unhindered. Qantas and Virgin also fly daily, with Virgin recently announcing 19,000 discounted airfares to boost tourism during this flood recovery period.

Image: Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA