Transport Minister Rita Saffioti today opened the much anticipated Roy Hill bridge, carrying Great Northern Highway traffic over the rail line near Port Hedland.
The new 95-metre bridge removes an at-grade rail crossing, enabling free flow of traffic and freight and improved safety for all motorists using Great Northern Highway.
Part of the project also involved realigning a section of the Great Northern Highway to incorporate an acceleration lane, which will also help improve traffic flow in the area.
Meanwhile, the risk of road closures due to seasonal flooding will also be reduced with the construction of a 95-metre concrete box culvert to improve drainage.
The $18.66 million contract was funded by Roy Hill and undertaken by Georgiou Pty Ltd under the management of Main Roads Western Australia.
More than 11 per cent of the workforce on the project were local Aboriginal people, with Main Roads committed to the implementation of the State Government’s Aboriginal Participation Policy.
As noted by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The State Government, in partnership with Roy Hill, has delivered a critical piece of infrastructure that will deliver immediate benefits to road users from today.
“By upskilling Aboriginal people on Main Roads’ managed projects, the State Government is ensuring they now have the experience to secure jobs on other projects within the region.”
As noted by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Stephen Dawson:
“Pilbara residents and drivers who frequently cross this stretch of Great Northern Highway will be excited to learn construction of the bridge and removal of the rail crossing is complete.
“This much awaited upgrade will improve this major transport route and, more importantly, improve road safety by removing the risk of road-to-rail conflicts.
“It’s a fantastic outcome to see this project has achieved high levels of Aboriginal employment throughout construction.”
As noted by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“It’s fantastic that this Pilbara project was focused on local jobs for local workers, and I am looking forward to future Pilbara projects with an emphasis on local engagement.
“The State Government is committed to increasing safety on our regional roads.
“This new bridge along with the subsequent removal of the at-grade rail crossing will also improve traffic and freight efficiency.”
