The State Government has awarded a contract for the replacement of the single lane bridge over the Fortescue River near Roy Hill Station, with construction starting this month.
Transport Minister Dean Nalder and Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the BMD MACA Joint Venture would build a new two-lane bridge and seal two kilometres of Marble Bar Road near Roy Hill Station.
This key transport and service link in the Pilbara will receive an important and necessary upgrade, boosting road user safety and wet weather accessibility in the State's far north. It is regarded as a priority because it services the mining activity and supports the local communities between Newman, Nullagine and Marble Bar.
"This project will reduce the disruptions being experienced during the wet season which has resulted in road closures due to flooding," Mr Nalder said.
Mr Redman said the State Government's Royalties for Regions program was investing $12.66 million in the project over two years.
"Royalties for Regions is about strengthening and growing our regions and helping regional communities realise their economic potential through the delivery of key economic infrastructure such as this. I am pleased this investment will improve driving conditions for road users in the Pilbara region," Mr Redman said.
The project, due for completion in April 2016, will create work for 20 people.
Fact File
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Marble Bar Road is used by heavy and light vehicles servicing mine sites and local communities between Newman, Nullagine and Marble Bar
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The current bridge was built in 1929
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Media release supplied by the Government of Western Australia