 In May 1941 , following the construction of the central north – south Stuart Highway , the federal government announced its decision to build the east – west highway between Norseman and Port Augusta . A northerly route , close to the Trans @-@ Australian Railway , had been considered , but extensive limestone outcrops made it impractical . Taking a route east from Norseman , with some detours around limestone ridges , would allow a road to be formed quickly and easily . With a war in the Pacific seemingly imminent , construction soon began , in July 1941 . The Army was responsible for fuel , food , and communications , while the state government departments of Main Roads ( Western Australia ) and Highways ( South Australia ) managed the actual construction . 
