As the Pilbara continues to evolve into a global logistics powerhouse, infrastructure is being upgraded to keep pace.
In support of the Lumsden Point development at Port Hedland, key freight and logistics road infrastructure upgrades are taking place to deliver a new interchange and critical access improvements at Great Northern Highway and Pinga Street.
As part of the works, Geoquest Australia designed and supplied mechanically stabilised earth (MSE) walls, precast concrete wall panels, and bridge abutments—and also deployed the first use in Western Australia of Geoquest’s innovative GeoStrap geosynthetic reinforcements—a milestone for sustainable, long-life soil structures in corrosive environments.
GeoStrap reinforcements: A first for Western Australia
The use of Geoquest’s GeoStrap® geosynthetic reinforcements provides a high-performance alternative to traditional steel reinforcements for MSE walls.
GeoStraps are made from coated polyester (PET), making them corrosion-resistant. Their performance in harsh conditions ensures a longer design life and reduced maintenance over time. The use of GeoStraps on the GNH Pinga Street project enabled the contractor to re-use insitu embankment fill with a salt content that would’ve been rejected if the traditional steel soil reinforcement was applied.
Key Advantages:
- Corrosion resistant: Unlike steel, PET reinforcements do not rust when exposed to acidic or saline backfill.
- Light weight and safer to install: Easier handling and installation reduce on-site risks and improve construction efficiency.
- Long-term cost benefits: No need for galvanising or protective coatings.
- Engineered for harsh environments: A resilient choice for remote and corrosive settings.
The use of GeoStraps reflects a broader industry shift towards innovative, sustainable materials that are better suited to Australia’s demanding infrastructure environments.
More about the Great Northern Highway Pinga Street project
Strategic freight infrastructure to support trade growth: The Great Northern Highway Pinga Street road infrastructure upgrade by Main Roads WA is designed to improve connectivity to Lumsden Point, a new multi-user logistics hub being developed by Pilbara Ports to support the export of battery metals and the import of renewable energy infrastructure.
The scope of works includes:
- Construction of a new roundabout underpass linking Pinga Street with Lumsden Point Access Road
- Two 15-metre single-span bridges over the roundabout interchange, forming a four-lane corridor
- Four new access ramps to and from Great Northern Highway
- New turning pockets at Lumsden Point Access Road
- A temporary side track (now complete) to divert traffic during construction
These upgrades will improve freight efficiency, reduce congestion, and enable safer movements of Over Size Over Mass (OSOM) loads into the Wedgefield industrial precinct.
Project impact and long-term benefits
Once complete, the Lumsden Point access upgrades will:
- Improve traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks at Pinga Street
- Enhance road safety, visibility and acceleration distances
- Ensure efficient OSOM freight access into the port and industrial precinct
- Accommodate future freight growth, underpinning regional economic development
About Lumsden Point
The Lumsden Point development, led by Pilbara Ports, will expand Port Hedland’s capacity to support critical mineral exports (including lithium and copper concentrates) and the import of renewable energy components, such as wind turbines and blades. It is also expected to support the growth of direct shipping services to and from the Pilbara.
These infrastructure upgrades form a critical part of enabling this vision—delivering safer, stronger, and more resilient roads that support Western Australia’s economic and environmental future.
For more information about Geoquest’s work on this and other infrastructure projects visit geoquest.com.au.
