Safety upgrades to one of the Pilbara Region’s most notable roads are officially underway.
About 92km of Marble Bar Road will be upgraded to a two-lane sealed road, improving freight productivity, road safety, and access to remote Aboriginal communities and further unlocking the economic potential of the region through better connections to a number of mine sites serviced by the road.
“The Pilbara is critical to Western Australia’s economy and improving freight productivity, and road safety is something this Government is committed to,” says Rita Saffioti, WA Transport Minister.
“This is another great example of our Government working with private enterprise to boost productivity and ensure long-term employment opportunities for local residents.”
An eight-kilometre deviation around Nullagine will also be constructed, improving road safety and reducing noise throughout the town.
The project will be delivered in seven stages, with the first 15-kilometre section near Roy Hill now underway, and work on a further 23km of road expected to commence in the coming weeks.
The upgrade is being funded and delivered by Atlas Iron with the State Government committing $60 million towards the project.
“Marble Bar Road is the only link for a number of remote communities in the East Pilbara for food, supplies and essential services,” says Kevin Michel, Pilbara MLA.
“During wet season, the road can be closed for up to three months as floodwaters rise, meaning that communities become isolated, and food and provisions have to be transported in by air at significant cost.”
The upgrades are expected to be completed by late 2025.
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