Floodway widening to improve North-West remote transport route

More than 300 vehicles a day will benefit from widening works about to start on the remote Marble Bar Road in Western Australia's Pilbara.

The 434km road from Newman to Great  Northern Highway, linking the communities of Nullagine and Marble Bar, is a major transport route for local communities, homesteads, tourists, freight companies and mine operators.

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said the $800,000 contract for the work would widen the floodway from 6.8m to 8.8m.

"BGC Contracting has been awarded a contract to carry out the work and help reduce conflicts between oncoming vehicles, which is a current problem at the site due to the narrow width," Mr O'Brien said.

"More than half of the traffic using this road is heavy haulage and, with major mines at Woodie Woodie and Telfer, the number of road trains is increasing considerably.

"The potential for collision on this narrow section of road is significant and the widening works are essential for everyone's safety."

The work will be carried out under an alliance agreement with BGC Contracting and Main Roads Pilbara Region.

Minister's office  - 9213 6400