Works set to begin on $43 million Marble Bar Road upgrade
Marble Bar Road is set for realignment and reconstruction as it passes through Coongan Gorge.
The project is worth $43.58 million which is jointly funded by both the Australian and Western Australian Governments and is set to improve safety and efficiency for all road users.
The Marble Bar Road is a critical access road for a number of mining operations throughout the Pilbara region including Newman, Nullagine, Marble Bar and several aboriginal communities including Jigalong and Punmu.
The road extends over 433 kilometres and links Newman to Great Northern Highway, situated to the east of Port Hedland.
Due to the narrow, winding and steep descents through Coongan Gorge, there is reduced sight distances and as result creates difficult environments for larger commercial vehicles to safely and efficiently operate with other vehicles on this section of road.
The upgrade will include:
- Realignment and upgrade of the four kilometre section of Marble Bar Road through Coongan Gorge.
- Construction of off-road drainage and culverts.
- Installation of safety barriers, pavement markings and signs, guide posts and road pastoral fencing.
Image sourced from Mainroads WA. Overall, this project will result in improved road safety, reduced travel times, improved accessibility and reduced transport vehicle operating costs.
Construction is set to start mid-2018 and be completed by the end of 2019.
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Sources: WA Projects, Mainroads Western Australia.
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