NT’s $9.8m highway upgrades to start ‘as soon as possible’

THE Australian Government has fast-tracked $9.8 million to upgrade two of the Northern Territory’s main freight routes, the Barkly and Stuart highways

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the government had approved funding to ensure works on the Barkly and Stuart highways could start as soon as possible

THE Australian Government has fast-tracked $9.8 million to upgrade two of the Northern Territory’s main freight routes, the Barkly and Stuart highways.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack told the NT News the government had approved funding to ensure works on the two highways could start as soon as possible.

“Moving forward with critical projects such as these will keep our economy moving, support jobs and provide the safe and efficient transport connections which are needed now more than ever,” he said.

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“This is just another example of how we are continuing to deliver our record $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline which will help pave the path to economic recovery once the nation emerges from COVID-19.”

NT Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler said the funding would target priority sections along the two highways.

“These projects will reinvigorate two of our largest highways by widening, strengthening and resurfacing segments identified as most in need of upgrading,” Ms Lawler said.

“This will mean safer, more reliable trips for everyone using the highways, which will help connect locals to jobs and services and businesses to key markets.”

Territory Senator Sam McMahon said the projects would improve flood immunity to provide safe transport connections for communities and freight year-round.

“These projects will improve the flood immunity of these two key highways, which is absolutely critical for ensuring residents and freight operators have reliable access within the Territory and to other parts of the country even during the wet season,” Senator McMahon said.

“This forms part of the Australian Government’s $492.3 million investment through ROSI to improve safety and access along the territory’s key road corridors.”

The $8.9 million Alice Springs to Darwin and $895,000 Tennant Creek to Townsville projects are part of a series of Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) upgrades to Northern Territory roads funded on an 80/20 basis by the Australian and Northern Territory Governments.