THE PROGRAM
The Sustainable Highlands Highway Investment Program (SHHIP), otherwise referred to as the Investment Program, aims to rehabilitate, upgrade and maintain the Highlands Highway (HH) through physical investment. Additionally, aligned with provisions and policy framework of National Transport Strategy (NTS), the Investment Program provides capacity development for the broader transport sector using the HH as a pilot project for implementing the envisaged holistic approach to sustainable maintenance. It promotes national cooperation and integration and widens access to social and economic opportunities via improved land transport infrastructure in PNG through the nation’s most important road.

 Impact and Outcome: The expected impact of the program is aligned with national strategies1, 2, 3 where:

(i) opportunity for equality and prosperity in rural areas is increased;

(ii) well integrated; safe; socially, financially and environmentally sustainable transport systems is attained; and

(iii) access to health, education and other services and living standard of the people of PNG is improved. The expected outcome is efficient and safe increased movement of people, goods and services between the Highlands region and the markets.

The SHHIP is a 10-year Program and implements in three tranches as following:
• Tranche 1 is being implemented between 2019 and 2022 and includes (i) road maintenance and road improvement works, (ii) drainage and slope protection works, (iii) road safety improvements as well.
• Tranche 2 shall be implemented between 2023 and 2025 and includes (i) continue road maintenance and road investment works, (ii) widen all 29 single lane bridges to two lanes with pedestrian footpaths, (iii) repair, reinforce and reconstruct as appropriate all (40) two-lane bridges.
• Tranche 3 shall be implemented between 2026 and 2028 and includes (i) continue road maintenance and road improvement works, (ii) build a new two-lane bypass to divert heavy and through traffic around Goroka because the dense urban fabric cannot accommodate a four-lane highway, (iii) build about 20 km of truck climbing lanes in the steep slopes of the Kassam and Daulo Passes, (iv) build two truck weigh stations in Jiwaka and Goroka; and build two logistics platforms for the trade of fresh produce in Jiwaka and Goroka.