PILBARA Ports has completed an upgrade to one of the busiest Pilbara freight routes.
The Stage 5, $11.8 million Utah Road Pavement Rehabilitation Project is a major milestone in strengthening one of the Pilbara's most important freight corridors.
The project boosts safety and improves efficiency for port customers, strengthening the busy freight route which is part of a $32.2 million multi-stage investment in Pilbara Ports critical freight infrastructure in partnership with Ventia by the state government.
The project restores and upgrades the 8.1 kilometre Utah Road used by the region's resource sector and is the critical link between the Great Northern Highway and Pilbara Ports Utah Bulk Handling Facility - a high-capacity export hub that handles a wide range of bulk commodities including mineral sands, salt and iron ore.
Utah Road also serves as the primary access route for both FMG's Anderson Point and BHP's Finucane Island facilities.
With more than 500 road trains accessing the facility each day, carrying up to 140 tonnes per super-quad road train, the route is a crucial element in Western Australia's resources sector’s export operation.
A state government media release said the upgrade will not only reduce wear and tear on freight vehicles but also increase efficiency in moving bulk products to global markets through the Utah Bulk Handling Facility.
“The works were delivered with minimal disruption to port operations, ensuring trade continued to flow throughout the project,” the release said.