Builder announced for Stage 3 of $254m Carpentaria Highway upgrade

The successful tenderer for the next stage of works to upgrade the Carpentaria Highway has been awarded, continuing the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to strengthening regional infrastructure. 

Exact Contracting Pty Ltd has been awarded a $68 million contract and will be undertaking the design and construction of Stage 3 of the Carpentaria Highway Upgrade project. 

“This is a key milestone in unlocking the full potential of the Beetaloo Sub-basin and improving connectivity to Borroloola and across the Roper Gulf region. 

“These upgrades are critical for our cattle, mining and energy sectors, and for the remote communities that depend on this vital transport corridor year-round,” Treasurer and Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan said. 

The third stage of works will cover the section of the highway from the Tanumbirini Propacc Track to five kilometres past the October Creek Bridge. 

This project will include: 

• A dual-lane sealed road between chainage (CH) 140km to CH 175km 

• A new, two-lane sealed October Creek Bridge 

• Upgraded flood immunity through widened and elevated road infrastructure 

Carpentaria Highway upgrade stages map (source: NT Department of Logistics and Infrastructure)

The $254 million Carpentaria Highway upgrade project – jointly funded by the Australian and Northern Territory Governments – is being delivered in five stages. The stages are: 

• Stage 1 – CH 2km to 50km – Completed in September 2024 

• Stage 2 – CH 50km to 140km – Currently under construction, due to be completed in June 2025 

• Stage 3 – CH 140km to 175km – Contract awarded 

• Stage 4 – Carpentaria and Stuart Highway intersection upgrade – Design underway 
• Stage 5 – CH 175km to 270km – Planning and investigations in progress 

Construction on Stage 3 will commence this month and is expected to be completed in December 2025. 

Detours and traffic management will be in place to help minimise disruption while construction is carried out. 

Approximately 30,000 head of cattle are transported along the Carpentaria Highway to East Arm Port each year, with 15 pastoral stations relying on the route for market access. 

“This is about building the roads that power our economy – reducing travel times, increasing safety and supporting private investment across the Territory,” Minister Yan said. 

“We are excited to continue our work on the Carpentaria Highway. Our strong local presence and experience position us well to deliver this important project. 

“We’re committed to supporting local industry, providing training and career pathways for Territorians, and investing in long-term community growth. 

“Through our partnership with CDU, we’re engaging local students and graduates to build Territory capability and promote long-term careers within the NT,” Exact Contracting General Manager Operations David Fellows said. 

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Northern Territory Government – Department of Logistics and Infrastructure