A contract has now been awarded to seal 150 kilometres of the Tanami Road, with works on the first 60 kilometre section due to begin next month.
Territory business Exact Contracting has been awarded $73 million tender for construction of the first stage of the works, as well as the planning for the second stage.
Works on the first 60 kilometres are anticipated to start in July 2022 and be completed by September 2023. Construction on the second stage is due to commence in October 2023.
The rough outback road that links Alice Springs to Western Australia has been the bane of many truck drivers who use the route, which is a key freight route for the mining and pastoral industries, and services a number of Indigenous communities.
“Sealing the next 150 kilometres of the Tanami will be greatly welcomed by all who have to regularly travel that route, particularly freight haulers, pastoralists and locals. The unsealed road is difficult to maintain and is often in a poor state,” said Northern Territory Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler.
“The Tanami Road forms part of the Alice Springs to Halls Creek Roads of Strategic Importance corridor, connecting Alice Springs with North-West Western Australia and sees considerable traffic volumes including heavy vehicles.
“Sealing Territory roads makes for easy journeys meaning less wear and tear on vehicles, reduced freight costs, improved reliability and makes sure business keeps moving in a safe and productive way.”
A further 11.8 kilometres of Tanami Road was sealed by Exact Contracting in late 2021 through an early works package.