Atlas Iron is funding and delivering safety upgrades to Marble Bar Road in the Pilbara region, with the Western Australian Government committing $60 million towards the project.
About 92km of Marble Bar Road will be upgraded to a two-lane sealed road, significantly improving road safety, 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.
An 8km deviation around Nullagine will also be constructed, improving road safety and reducing noise through the town.
The project will be delivered in seven stages, with the first 15km section near Roy Hill now underway, and work on a further 23km of road expected to commence in the coming weeks.
The upgrades will enable safer travel for all road users, as well as heavy vehicle operators carting ore from a number of mines in the area.
Access for local Aboriginal communities and medical and other services will also be improved – with the new road expected to reduce the need for closures due to flooding in the wet season.
The upgrades are expected to be completed by late 2025.
Western Australian Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said the project was a great example of the government working with private enterprise to boost productivity and ensure long-term employment opportunities for local residents.
“The Pilbara is critical to Western Australia’s economy and improving freight productivity, and road safety is something this Government is committed to,” Minister Saffioti said.
Pilbara MLA, Kevin Michel, said, “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.”
