Alice Springs Hartley St shut due to ‘bitumen bleed’ minister says, govt silent on price to fix
‘Bitumen bleed’ is being labelled as the reason why buses can’t travel on one of the Red Centre capital’s main roads – with the government silent on how much is being spent to fix it.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The government is keeping tight-lipped on how much it’s cost to repair a recently resurfaced road with “bitumen bleed” in the Red Centre capital – with the works now moving onto the adjoining street.
A Department of Logistics and Infrastructure spokesperson said emergency works are finished on Hartley St – one of the main roads through the Alice Springs CBD – after “hot temperatures” caused “a potential issue with the materials used to seal the road”
A Department of Logistics and Infrastructure spokesperson said the cost of the repairs would come out of the current project allocation for the $20 million Alice Springs CBD revitalisation – but did not share an exact repair figure.
“The issues are due to the hot temperatures and a potential issue with the materials used to seal the road. A review is underway as to why this has occurred,” they said.
“We will continue to monitor the road and advise businesses and residents if any further repairs are required.”
The CBD revitalisation project began in 2021 and faced delays – drawing the ire of some business owners and politicians.
The Department of Logistics and Infrastructure website (formerly Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Logistics) said the project was completed in July 2024.
The latest Hartley St update from Secure NT, shared on Wednesday afternoon, said buses would no longer be able to use the road as of Thursday, and motorists would not be able to park there.
“Both lanes will then be closed from 12 noon to 6pm, with traffic management in place to allow businesses access as required during these hours,” the post said.
“Two bus stops in Hartley St will be closed and there will be no bus service from stops.”
A water truck was deployed “in the interim”, to assist.
Questions sent to infrastructure and logistics minister Bill Yan by this masthead were directed to an ABC radio interview Mr Yan did on Wednesday morning.
In the interview, Mr Yan called the debacle a “legacy issue” his party inherited “from the previous government” and was currently attempting to fix.
“I know the frustration of everyone, we waited so long for that project and now we’re seeing some issues with the base,” he said
Mr Yan did not say when the remedial words would be completed, with a timeline to be shared “in the coming days”.
Thursday afternoon, a Department of Logistics and Infrastructure spokesperson confirmed the Hartley St works were done.
“Further works will occur on Gregory Terrace between 5.30am-7.30am on 11 October. Gregory Terrace will remain open under traffic management,” they said.
More Coverage
Originally published as Alice Springs Hartley St shut due to ‘bitumen bleed’ minister says, govt silent on price to fix
Warrant out for Territory footballer after alleged ‘serious’ bail breach
A young Aussie Rules player facing more than 30 DV charges has had his bail revoked and a warrant issued for his arrest, after allegedly crossing state borders and breaking a contact order. Find out the latest from court.
Department issues apology ahead of probe into toddler’s septic tank drowning
Ahead of a coronial inquest, a government department has issued a statement relaying “profound regret” for its “failures”. Find out why.