Hughes Road upgrades

A significant proportion of upgrades to improve safety and longevity of the Port of Esperance's sole heavy vehicle access route have been completed over multiple stages.

Port: Esperance

Status: In progress

Timeline: Estimated completion 2026.

About the project:

As part of the State Government’s $19.6 million Road Improvement Program for the Port of Esperance, a multi-stage upgrade of Hughes Road is underway, with significant works already completed.

Completed works include the installation of 920 tonnes of asphalt across close to one hectare of road pavement, along with new drainage, kerbing and safety barriers. These upgrades have delivered a dedicated truck layover area designed to improve the flow of heavy vehicle movements along the road.

Further completed works have included the construction of a new roundabout, upgraded road sections and a redesigned entry and exit layout to improve heavy vehicle efficiency. The nine-month construction program also delivered 3,000 cubic metres of earthworks, 400 metres of drainage, 500 metres of electrical conduit and 5,800 tonnes of asphalt, strengthening the 60-year-old road network.

Catering for an estimated 250,000 truck movements each year, the works have eased congestion and improved safety across the port precinct.

The final component of the program will focus on reconstructing remaining degraded pavement areas on other port roads, completing the overall upgrade program.