The Australian and Northern Territory governments are progressing significant upgrades to Santa Teresa Road, southeast of Alice Springs, with a tender released to fully seal a further 22.5-kilometre section of the road.
The project is part of the $415 million Northern Territory Strategic Roads Package, jointly funded by the Australian ($332 million) and Northern Territory ($83 million) governments.
This package aims to improve economic and social opportunities for remote and regional communities across the Territory, with Santa Teresa Road identified as a priority project.
The road connects the Santa Teresa community and Alice Springs, services a number of pastoral leases and is the main access route for several freight companies.
The successful tenderer will upgrade and deliver a two-lane sealed road, starting from approximately 40 kilometres along the road until around the 62-kilometre mark.
These works will greatly improve that section of road, which is unsealed and severely damaged by frequent flooding, most recently in February this year.
This upgrade builds on previous works in the Package, which sealed seven kilometres from the 13-kilometre to the 20-kilometre mark. These works are a continuation of efforts to create a fully sealed, all-weather route between Alice Springs and the Santa Teresa community.
The planning, design, construction and maintenance of the upgrades will support First Nations employment and businesses.
The tender for the project closes on 22 June 2026, with completion of this section expected in early 2028.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"The Australian Government is committed to providing a more reliable and weather-proof access road for the First Nations community of Santa Teresa to link with Alice Springs.
"This investment will support economic opportunities in Central Australia, significantly reduce travel time, and improve the accessibility of essential services for community members."
Quote attributable to NT Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan:
"This is especially welcomed by the Santa Teresa community and pastoralists relying on this road who will see less wear and tear on their vehicles and a safer driving experience - great news in our year of growth, certainty and security."
Quote attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour:
"The community has been advocating for this issue for a long time, and I've been fighting to get the Santa Teresa Road sealed since before I was elected in 2022.
"I know how difficult the Santa Teresa Road can be during extreme weather and these upgrades will make it a lot easier for community members to access services in Alice Springs year round."
