- Pilbara Ports awards contract to Melchor Contracting Pty Ltd to reconstruct the Utah Ring Road at Port Hedland
- Project will improve safety, reliability and efficiency of the Utah Ring Road at the Utah Bulk Handling Facility, supporting high-volume freight operations
- Cook Labor Government supporting long-term investment and strengthening critical port infrastructure in the Pilbara
The Cook Labor Government has welcomed the award of a major contract to Melchor Contracting Pty Ltd under the $37 million Utah Ring Road Reconstruction project, marking a significant investment in critical infrastructure at the Port of Port Hedland.
The project involves the reconstruction of approximately two kilometres of the existing road at the Utah Bulk Handling Facility, replacing the current asphalt pavement with a high-durability concrete surface designed to support long-term operations.
The Utah Ring Road plays a vital role in supporting heavy vehicle access and the efficient movement of bulk commodities through the Utah Bulk Handling Facility, located within one of the world's busiest bulk export hubs.
Originally constructed to support approximately 12 million tonnes per annum, the road now facilitates approximately 20 million tonnes per annum, leading to increased wear over time.
Reconstructing the road will provide a long-term solution that improves safety outcomes, reduces ongoing maintenance requirements and strengthens the reliability and efficiency of port operations.
The project is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete, with works to be delivered in stages to ensure the facility remains operational and to minimise disruption to industry.
This project builds on the $32 million upgrade to the 8km Utah Road link completed by Pilbara Ports last year.
As stated by Ports and Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The awarding of this contract by the Cook Labor Government marks an important milestone in upgrading critical infrastructure supporting our State's economy.
"Investing in the Utah Ring Road will improve safety and efficiency at one of the Pilbara's most important freight hubs, ensuring it continues to support growing demand from the resources sector.
"Importantly, the works will be staged to keep the facility operating and minimise disruption to trade while strengthening the long-term resilience of this key asset."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"This project will deliver safe and more reliable access to the Utah Bulk Handling Facility, which plays a vital role in moving our region's commodities to markets around the world.
"It's great to see the Cook Labor Government continuing to invest in infrastructure that strengthens our local economy and keeps the Pilbara moving."
