Originally an Aboriginal songline walking trail that allowed for long-distance travel, trade, and ceremonial practices.

[2] The route was developed as a gravel road by Aboriginal workers for drovers in the 1950s to aid the beef industry.

[2] Improvements took place in the 1960s which tied in with the development of the Ord Irrigation Scheme, which enabled the introduction of road trains.

The highway serves pastoral, mining and tourism industries, as well as the Ord Irrigation Scheme agricultural development near Kununurra.

Water overtopping the bridge can cut the main Western Australia - Northern Territory link for days or even weeks during the November - April rainy period.