Infrastructure WA publishes summary action report detailing recommended upgrades to Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road

An investment of $225 million would be needed to upgrade the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road in seven different ways, according to a report from Infrastructure WA.

The 355km road is a key haulage route to Geraldton Port, with a number of resources including iron ore, grains, and machinery among goods transported regularly.

The assessment was carried out by Main Roads WA, with Infrastructure WA contributing further research to support the data.

The report published last week showed $225 million would be required to repair the road.

Upgrades suggested include widening the road from eight metres to 10m, adding or extending 15 overtaking lanes, and general repairs to the conditions.

Five floodways have been identified for repairs, while a recommendation for a realignment of the road in Mullewa has been put forward.

A replacement bridge in Eradu has also been flagged, as has a heavy vehicle rest area at Pindar.

According to the summary assessment report, the upgrades would ensure the road was equipped to handle the number of road trains in the area.

Studies found the road was used by “over size over mass vehicles, which often take up more road width than a single lane (greater than 3.5 metres wide)“.

The report found cars travelling the opposite direction were forced to pull over as a result.

It also found there was no operational rail line to connect the port to areas east of Geraldton, meaning Geraldton-Mt Magnet road was the “only viable freight transportation option” in the short to medium term.

According to the report, increased vehicle traffic had contributed to “rapid deterioration” of the road.

Main Roads WA found not performing repairs would likely force smaller, lighter vehicles to be the only ones permitted on the road to prevent further damage, having a heavy impact on haulage to the port.

A Main Roads spokesperson said Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road, as well as other roads, were being considered for upgrades.

“Major pavement repairs on the Geraldton Mount Magnet Road were completed in April this year, while more than 70km of the road has recently had safety treatments installed as part of the Regional Road Safety Program,” she said.

“The Government is regularly planning and preparing businesses cases for major projects and upgrades to its more than 18,000 kilometre road network, including for the Geraldton Mount Magnet Road.

“The next step towards delivering the upgrades on Geraldton Mount Magnet Road, is further consideration of the business case.”