A new 32m over-road-rail-bridge has opened at the Nelson Point main line level crossing in Port Hedland.
Delivery of the new bridge marked the completion of the Hedland Road Rail Safety Improvement Program, a $113 million package of work jointly funded by the Federal and Western Australian Governments and BHP, who contributed $44.74m over the two stages of the program. The program is aimed at improving road safety in the Pilbara and providing a better experience for roughly 6,000 vehicles per day.
The program also included:
- The realignment of 4.75km of Great Northern Highway, north of the airport, providing a grade-separated crossing over the dual rail lines to BHP’s Nelson Point facilities
- Construction of two roundabouts either side of the BHP rail line on Powell Road, at Dalton Road and Hamilton Road
- Construction of a 34m road-over-rail bridge over BHP’s rail line at Buttweld Road and realignment of 3km of Great Northern Highway – completed in November 2022.
BHP’s Rail Manager Operational Readiness, Sarah Dearman said, “It’s fantastic to see the finished works and to know that daily road users are travelling safer as a result.”
“We’re pleased that our contribution and collaboration with the State and Commonwealth governments has made a real difference to the project.”
Image credit: Awdo/shutterstock.com.