Ventia has successfully delivered its first project for the Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA): the Stage 5 rehabilitation of Utah Road in Port Hedland, Western Australia.

Utah Road is a vital freight corridor connecting the Great Northern Highway to the Utah Point Bulk Handling Facility at the Port of Port Hedland—the world’s largest bulk export port. Originally constructed in 2009 and realigned in 2014, the road has experienced accelerated wear due to traffic volumes far exceeding its original design capacity.

The Stage 5 works focused on restoring pavement integrity and improving safety and durability for heavy vehicle access. The project involved the rehabilitation of Zone 7 of the Utah Road pavement, including the reconstruction of the Northern Extension (from the Utah Point entrance to the BHP security gate) and the resealing and asphalt overlay of the adjacent BHP slip lane. The total length of the works was approximately 1.7 kilometres.

Delivered under live traffic conditions, the project required 24/7 access for road trains and heavy vehicles throughout construction. Ventia’s team maintained operational continuity while completing the project ahead of schedule.

"This project is a strong example of our ability to deliver high-quality outcomes in operationally sensitive environments," said Damian Pedreschi, interim Group Executive of Transport.

It’s a proud moment for our Transport team and a great start to our relationship with the Pilbara Ports Authority.

This milestone marks the beginning of a new partnership between Ventia’s Transport Western Australia (TWA) team and PPA, with the project delivered in one of Australia’s most operationally demanding environments.

A PPA spokesperson added:

Utah Road is a vital link in our supply chain, and ensuring its reliability is essential to the safe and efficient movement of product through the port. Ventia’s ability to deliver this stage of the upgrade with minimal disruption to operations is a credit to their planning and execution.

Project Scope

  • Foam Bitumen Stabilisation (FBS) of 28,000 m² of pavement using 450 tonnes of emulsion and 140 tonnes of cement
  • Two-coat bituminous seal applied across 29,000 m²
  • Placement of 3,750 tonnes of 50mm asphalt 
  • Reconstruction of the Northern Extension, from the Utah Point entrance to the BHP security gate
  • Resealing and asphalt overlay of the adjacent BHP slip lane
  • 250 metres of kerb reinstatement
  • 320 metres of safety barrier and guardrail replacement 
  • Total project length: approximately 1.7 km, with varying widths
  • Project duration: 15 weeks (February to July 2025)