Port Hedland road upgrade awarded

The AUS$37 million project will see approximately two kilometres of road at the Utah Bulk Handling Facility reconstructed, replacing the existing asphalt pavement with a high-durability concrete surface designed to withstand increasing freight volumes and improve long-term operational performance.

“Investing in the Utah Ring Road will improve safety and efficiency at one of the Pilbara’s most important freight hubs, ensuring it continues to support growing demand from the resources sector,” said Western Australian Ports and Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson.

The Utah Ring Road is a key transport route within one of the world’s busiest bulk export ports, providing access for heavy vehicles transporting commodities through the Utah Bulk Handling Facility.

Originally designed to accommodate around 12 million tonnes of cargo annually, the road now supports approximately 20 million tonnes per year, resulting in significant wear and increasing maintenance requirements.

Construction is expected to take around 18 months and will be completed in stages to allow the facility to remain operational while minimising disruption to port users and exporters.

“The works will be staged to keep the facility operating and minimise disruption to trade while strengthening the long-term resilience of this key asset,” said Dawson.

Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said the reconstruction would strengthen one of the region’s most important logistics links.

“This project will deliver safe and more reliable access to the Utah Bulk Handling Facility, which plays a vital role in moving our region’s commodities to markets around the world,” he said.

He added that continued investment in transport infrastructure would benefit both regional communities and Western Australia’s export economy.

“It’s great to see the Cook Government continuing to invest in infrastructure that strengthens our local economy and keeps the Pilbara moving.”

The reconstruction follows the completion of Pilbara Ports’ AUS$32 million upgrade of the eight-kilometre Utah Road link last year, further strengthening the transport network supporting one of Australia’s most significant bulk export gateways.