The Northern Territory Government is planning for improved resilience, connectivity and efficiency of our national highway network through a flood resilience study.
The study will investigate the flood resilience of the National Highway network in the NT - the Stuart, Victoria and Barkly Highways - which connect the Territory's major cities and remote communities.
A $2,148,926 contract has been awarded to WRM Water & Environment to complete the study.
Jointly funded by the Australian Government and Northern Territory Government, the study will help future proof our main transport links by identifying vulnerabilities and developing strategies to upgrade infrastructure to build resilience.
The project will deliver options to upgrade the network, improve flood immunity and climate change resilience. This will include concept options, network priority sections and cost estimates for proposed upgrades.
Improving flood resilience across the National Highway network will improve road safety, accessibility and reduce economic impacts.
The National Highway network is vital to ensuring food and fuel security for regional and remote communities, and to supporting rather than constraining industry and economic growth. Territorians rely heavily on these vital freight and supply chains to bridge our vast distances and provide a critical connection to the rest of Australia and to trade opportunities internationally.
By making roads more resistant to flooding, communities can better withstand disaster events, minimising damage and disruption to essential services and transportation.
The study will aim to achieve the following benefits:
o enhanced resilience and adaptation to climate change
o improved road safety and reduced risk
o minimise damage and economic impacts of flooding events
o maintain access to communities and services during flooding events
o improved network efficiency, connectivity and reliability.
The study will include consultation with local authorities, environmental agencies and industry experts.
Claire Brown, General Manager Transport and Civil Infrastructure, Department of Logistics and Infrastructure, said the study would provide valuable information on how to minimise the impact of weather events on the National Highway network.
"The National Highway network is a key transport corridor for the Northern Territory. This study will assess the flood immunity and resilience standard of the highway network.
"The study will also develop strategies to enhance the National Highway network and reduce road closures and the impact of flooding in the future."
