September 2019 – August 2020

Karratha Tom Price Road – Stage 3

  • Client:
    MACA Civil for Main Roads Western Australia
  • Location:
    Pilbara Region, WA (48 km corridor between Karratha and Tom Price)
  • Project Type:
    Regional Road Upgrade
  • Timeline:
    September 2019 – August 2020

Project Overview


Alliance Surveying was contracted to deliver comprehensive daily surveying services for the Stage 3 upgrade of the Karratha-Tom Price Road, the critical Manuwarra Red Dog Highway link through the Pilbara. The 48 km works included sealing, pavement reconstruction, and installation of drainage infrastructure to enhance safety, reduce wet-season closures, and facilitate access to Millstream National Park.

Our role involved managing control networks, set-out and as-built surveys, volume calculations, and ongoing progression tracking. This project demonstrates our capabilities as a leading survey company in regional WA, delivering accurate and timely results in remote environments.

Key aspects of the project include:

Technologies & Deliverables

We leveraged advanced surveying technologies to ensure precision and efficiency:

  • GPS total stations, robotic instruments, and robust control networks
  • UAV photogrammetry for progress tracking and terrain mapping
  • Topographic and drainage set-out for civil works and sealing
  • Volume reporting for pavement and earthworks validation
  • As-built surveys & data models integrated into project BIM/GIS packages

Key Challenges & Our Approach

  • Remote, large-scale operations: The project’s 48 km length and Pilbara setting required significant logistical coordination, including mobilising our in-house team without outsourcing.
  • Weather/disruption resilience: Our surveys accounted for cyclone damage, including flood recovery after Cyclone Damien in early 2020.
  • Indigenous and heritage compliance: The upgrade followed strict environmental and cultural protocols, aligning with EPA directives and heritage site guidelines.
  • Maintaining traffic safety: While supporting continuous public access, we used detour coordination and precision control points to ensure minimal disruption.

Outcomes & Benefits

  • Logistical stability: We began project delivery within 7 days of award, adhering to our swift project start commitment.
  • On-schedule progress: Despite disruptions from Cyclone Damien, Stage 3 reached completion in August 2020 as planned.
  • Unwavering cost integrity: All deliverables were delivered at a fixed price, with no additional client charges.
  • In-house execution: Led by licensed surveyors and supported by our WA-based field staff, drafters, and technical professionals, with no outsourcing required.

Gallery

Ready to Discuss Your Project?

If you’re planning a regional road, infrastructure, or civil development project in Western Australia, Alliance Surveying brings proven technical precision, in-house reliability, and project-ready experience.

Visit our Contact Us page today to request a free project appraisal and quote. Our team will respond within 48 hours and schedule your project start within 7 days.

Why Alliance Surveying?

Fast Turnaround:

All quotes are delivered within 2 days, guaranteed.

Swift Project Start:

Job commencement is guaranteed within 7 days of approval, so your project won’t face delays.

Transparent Pricing:

Our quotes are fixed; if unexpected costs arise, we cover the difference, ensuring no surprise charges.

Fully In-House Team:

We never outsource. Every step of your survey is handled by our own team of 30 experienced professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

We provided daily control network maintenance, set-out, topographic monitoring, volumetric analysis, drainage set-out, and as-built reporting.

Our in-house team was mobilised directly, utilising mobile control hubs, robust planning, and GPS equipment suitable for Pilbara conditions.

Early-2020 cyclone damage required survey re-establishment, but our planning ensured completion within the August timeline.

Yes. We complied with EPA and heritage protocols, including archaeological clearances in Eastern Guruma Country.

Yes. Coordination of traffic detours and safe working zones allowed ongoing public access with minimal delays.

We used GPS total stations, UAV drones for terrain capture, and digital modelling to maintain accuracy across the entire corridor.

Each stage was overseen by licensed surveyors and delivered by our in-house field and technical staff, with no subcontractors involved.

Absolutely. Our guaranteed fixed quotes covered all survey components, even additional remobilisation after the cyclone.

The upgraded corridor improved safety, accessibility during wet seasons, and supported tourism in Millstream National Park.

Simply visit our Contact Us page and submit your details. Our team will provide a tailored, fixed-price proposal within 48 hours and commence work within 7 days of approval.

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