Construction gets underway on new NT Tiger Brennan Drive overpass

Construction on the overpass at Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road intersection in the Northern Territory is now well underway, with local business Sitzler recently awarded a contract for works on the project. 

The $127.8 million contract will get Sitzler to complete detailed design as well as construct the new overpass. 

“Quality roads connect our regions and communities. This overpass at the Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road intersection will make this road safer and the journey between Darwin and Palmerston quicker. 

“Our Government’s continued strong investment in new infrastructure projects will see support for local businesses across a number of industries meaning more jobs for Territorians,” Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler said. 

Building a new overpass will separate major traffic on Tiger Brennan Drive from traffic movements on Berrimah Road and enable the continuous traffic flow along Tiger Brennan Drive, reducing traffic delays during peak hours as well as provide shorter travel times and improved connectivity for freight transport to East Arm Wharf. 

The overall project will include: 

• A grade separation that will see Berrimah Road passing over Tiger Brennan Drive 
• Realignment of Tiger Brennan Drive to become free flowing 
• Entry and exit ramps connecting Tiger Brennan Drive to Berrimah Road 
• Improvements to Berrimah Road catering to requirements for road trains 
• Earthworks, drainage works, pavement construction and asphalt works 
• Street lighting, linemarking and road safety barriers 
• Traffic signals on Berrimah Road only 
• Improved pedestrian and cyclist accessibility, landscaping and urban design 

Works on the new overpass are going to be carried out in stages to minimise construction impact to all road users. 

“Territorians have lost their lives at this intersection. It’s busy and dangerous, and I know that the people and businesses of Greater Darwin will warmly welcome this much-needed overpass, which will greatly improve safety and save lives. 

“The Australian Government is proud to be working with the NT Government to deliver exactly this type of vital infrastructure project in the Territory, including almost $2.5 billion of key infrastructure election commitments in the recent Federal Budget. 

“As the local Federal Member, I’m delighted to be able to deliver for the Territory,” Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling said. 

To date, several works have already been delivered as part of the project. This includes: 

• Remediation of the site involving the removal of 10,000 cubic metres of contaminated soil 
• Extensive site investigation to inform the design 
• Establishment of perimeter fencing, site office and site support facilities 
• Clearing of the site and mulching of vegetation 
• Stripping and stockpiling of topsoil for reuse in landscaping works 
• Establishment of erosion and sediment controls 
• Detailed design of early works packages 
• Commencement of service relocations 

Proposed project alignment (source: NT Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

In addition, Larrakia Nation has also been engaged to coordinate expression of interest for artwork at the overpass that has a theme of ‘Dalay’ - the Monsoon season in the Larrakia Calendar. 

Construction of the new Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road overpass is estimated to take two years to complete, and the project is expected to support approximately 150 jobs at peak construction period. 

This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Northern Territory Governments. 

“The Federal Government believes in the development of the Northern Territory, most recently highlighted in our $2.5 billion infrastructure budget released last week. 

“This vital funding is not only providing a much-needed boost to local jobs and the economy, it is delivering safety measures to ensure road users stay safe on our roads,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Northern Territory Government – Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics; Infrastructure Magazine