Construction begins on Marble Bar Road upgrades in the Pilbara

Works are now underway on the jointly funded Marble Bar Road upgrade in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. 

The Marble Bar Road upgrades are funded and delivered by Atlas Iron, with the Western Australian Government investing $60 million towards the project. 

Approximately 92 kilometres of Marble Bar Road will be upgraded to a two-lane sealed road which will ultimately improve safety and access to remote Aboriginal communities while further unlocking the economic potential of the region through better connections to several mines serviced by the road. 

In addition to the safety upgrades, an eight-kilometre deviation road will also be built around Nullagine to improve road safety and reduce noise through the town. 

“This project is a great example of our Government funding projects that deliver across a number of critical areas including road safety, economic growth and better access to remote Aboriginal communities. 

“The Pilbara is critical to Western Australia’s economy and improving freight productivity, and road safety is something this Government is committed to. 

“This is another great example of our Government working with private enterprise to boost productivity and ensure long-term employment opportunities for local residents,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

Marble Bar Road upgrades map (source: Main Roads Western Australia)

The overall Marble Bar Road upgrades will be delivered in seven stages. Construction on the first 15-kilometre section near Roy Hill is now underway and works on another 23-kilometre section of road will commence in the coming weeks. 

Upgrading Marble Bar Road will enable safer travel for all road users and heavy vehicle operators carting ore from a number of mines in the area. 

This project will also improve access for local Aboriginal communities as well as medical and other services. Moreover, the new road is expected to reduce the need for closures due to flooding in the wet season. 

The upgrades are anticipated to be completed by late next year. 

Key construction contracts for the first 15-kilometre section of upgrades have been awarded to BG&E Resources and Raubex Construction Pty Ltd. 

“Marble Bar Road is the only link for a number of remote communities in the East Pilbara for food, supplies and essential services. 

“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. 

“Sealing the road will significantly improve serviceability for the local community and I thank the State Government for their ongoing commitment to this project,” Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Main Roads Western Australia; Infrastructure Magazine