Road to better connections
Stage three of a major Pilbara road project is set to be completed next month.
Construction of the current phase of the Karratha to Tom Price Road, which was planned to be completed this month, is now due to be finished in September. Stage three involved the construction and sealing of the 48km section following the Roebourne-Wittenoom Road to the rail crossing.
Main Roads WA spokesperson Dean Roberts said several tasks had been completed.
“All culverts have been constructed, the basecourse is almost complete, and 63 per cent has been sealed,” he said.
“Some of this section has also been spotted for line-marking and signs.”
The roadworks had some major setbacks in 2017 when delays in issuing tenders and the discovery of asbestos in the area caused the project to be delayed by more than 17 months, while tropical cyclone Damien hitting the Pilbara in February also meant repair work was required.
Once completed, the road is set to cut travel time by more than 21/2 hours compared to the alternative sealed route, with improved safety for users.
It is also due to create social and economic opportunities for the community and the region by improving connectivity between Karratha, Roebourne, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Newman, as well as providing better access to medical and social services.
Stage four of construction is scheduled to start in early 2022.
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