 North West Coastal Highway was created in 1944 from existing roads and tracks through remote pastoral areas . However , it was a hazardous route that could be dusty in the dry season , and boggy or washed away in the wet season . Economic growth and development in northern Western Australia prompted initial improvement efforts in the late 1940s , and a sealed road was constructed from Geraldton to Carnarvon by 1962 . The impact of cyclones and seasonal flooding resulted in a realignment inland of the Carnarvon to Port Hedland section , which was constructed and sealed between 1966 and 1973 , and required thirty new bridges . Various upgrades have been carried out in sections across the length of the highway , including the Geraldton Southern Transport Corridor project which grade @-@ separated the highway 's junction with Brand Highway . 
