Marble Bar Road to be fully sealed this year

16/1/03
Road users will be able to travel the full 203km between Marble Bar and Port Hedland on sealed road by the end of this year.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the final section of the 144km Marble Bar Road would be sealed ahead of schedule, bringing long awaited relief to local residents.
"Main Roads WA is currently preparing tender documents that should see work on a $5.4m contract begin in May, several years ahead of original timings," Ms MacTiernan said.
"This will see the final four kilometres between Marble Bar and the Port Hedland turn-off at Great Northern Highway sealed by November. Similar work would also be carried out on a 12km section south of Marble Bar to the Ripon Hills Road turn-off.
"The people of Marble Bar and surrounding areas have waited 50 years for a promised sealed road and have endured continued delays and isolation.
"Sealing the road will eliminate the severe dust problems encountered each year, greatly improving road safety, as well as reducing road closures during the wet season."
Ms MacTiernan said the Marble Bar Road provided a major link to the mineral areas of the east Pilbara and was used by a mixture of heavy vehicles, regional traffic and tourists.
The road carries an average of 134 vehicles per day. About 60 of these are triple road trains carrying freight to Port Hedland and servicing the mining and pastoral industries.
Minister's Office - 9213 6400