The Carpentaria Highway in the NT is set to receive $150 million in upgrades, including sealing and works to improve flood immunity.
Funded on an 80:20 split between the Australian and Northern Territory governments, works will be carried out at various sections along the 138 kilometre road.
Exact Contracting Pty Ltd has been awarded the $67 million design and construct tender for stage one, which will include the first 48 kilometres of the Carpentaria Highway, with completion slated for April 2023.
Northern Territory Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler said, “Upgrading Carpentaria Highway will involve sealing, reconstruction, widening and elevating the road alignment to increase flood immunity, meaning this important route will have improved accessibility throughout the year.
“Connecting the Territory and making sure business can keep moving is important, and this local Territory business completing these works know how vital this road is.”
Upgrades will include creating a two-lane sealed road with a raised formation to improve flood immunity and constructing culverts to improve cross drainage where required.
“The last year has shown us just how important it is to upgrade key freight and transport routes to deal with increased flooding and severe weather events,” said Federal Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Catherine King.
“We know how important good roads are to the NT. That’s why we are investing in key freight roads and access roads for remote communities across the Territory.”
Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour added, “These upgrades are expected to deliver many benefits, including more efficient and reliable roads, improved freight productivity and access to freight gateways, and safer roads in line with Towards Zero Road Safety Action Plan.”