Construction has commenced on improvements to the Lumsden Point Access Road and Pinga Street intersection in the state of Western Australia (WA).
These upgrades are aimed at supporting the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub project at Port Hedland, located on the north coast of WA.
The road and intersection work at Lumsden Point is set to facilitate the import of wind turbine and renewable energy components into the Pilbara region.
Additionally, it will bolster the export capabilities for battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates.
In a bid to complement the Lumsden Point development, plans include the construction of a new grade-separated rotary interchange at the current juncture of Great Northern Highway and Pinga Street.
Featuring two new single-span, 15m-long structures, the interchange will have four lanes over a round underpass, linking Pinga Street to the new access road.
The project also includes the construction of new ramps to enable access to and from Great Northern Highway, along with new turning pockets at the Lumsden Point Access Road.
The new intersection is designed to enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion, and ensure the safe transit of oversized vehicles from Lumsden Point.
Lumsden Point is set to provide an alternative import facility to Fremantle, aiming to reduce transport emissions.
The new Lumsden Point Port development has made progress, with new shipping berths and an extensive lay-down area for imported equipment being established.
WA Ports Minister David Michael: “New port facilities at Lumsden Point will provide regional import capability to support the renewable energy industry.
“New shipping berths and a lay down area will grow the capacity of the Port of Port Hedland, while this latest ground-breaking is the next step for the region's evolution.”
The Australian Government has allocated A$565m ($373.75m) in grant funding to support common user port upgrades at Port Hedland and Dampier in the Pilbara region.
Furthermore, the Australian and WA governments concluded a A$140m agreement in February 2024 to construct a hydrogen hub in the Pilbara area.
