The Liberal and Nationals Government is providing more than $27 million to fund upgrades along the Northern Territory's National Network Highway, with works set to start before the end of the year.
Around 49 kilometres of priority sections along Stuart, Victoria and Barkly highways will be upgraded as part of the project. The work will include highway strengthening and widening, asphalt and bitumen resurfacing, and pavement resealing.
This will deliver better, safer and more reliable road access for the Territory, and the improved road surface will reduce the operating and maintenance costs for vehicles - especially freight.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the project will deliver upgrades to some of Darwin's main intercity linkages for communities and freight.
"These upgrades will provide a better and more efficient road network, improving road safety while catering for future growth in traffic volumes," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"This means improved freight links underpinning the Territory's businesses and economy, safer and smoother access for Territorians to jobs and services, and key highways that are better placed to support time-critical emergency responses."
Senator for Northern Territory Dr Sam McMahon said freight, families and businesses who use these roads will soon start to experience the significant benefits these upgrades will bring.
"This project will bolster the roads flood immunity to reduce the amount of road closures during the wet season, ensuring local communities, freight and visitors remain connected to other parts of the territory and country year-round," Dr McMahon said.
"This is important for connecting locals to jobs and critical services like health and education, and improving connections for industries such as tourism, horticulture, agriculture and mining.
"Construction has already finished on a $3 million package of upgrades to the Stuart Highway under this project, with works on further priority sections to start by the end of this year during the dry season and the entire project expected to be completed by mid-2024."
