Local Northern Territory contractor Exact Contracting will be carrying out the sealing of a 150-kilometre section of the Tanami Road in Central Australia following the award of a $73 million tender.
With this contract, Exact Contracting will be building Stage 1 of the works along with planning for the second stage of the project. The company also undertook the sealing of a further 11.8 kilometres of Tanami Road in late 2021 through an early works package.
“Tanami Road is a vital link for the entire Territory, especially in Central Australia,” Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour said.
“This is good for our remote communities as it gives greater access to health care, and the ability to travel this road safely,” Local Member for Gwoja Chansey Paech said.
Construction on Stage 1 is set to commence in July of this year, covering the first 60-kilometre section, while Stage 2 works are anticipated to begin in October 2023.
The entire 150-kilometre Tanami Road upgrade will span from chainage 271.81 kilometres to 421 kilometres.
“Sealing the next 150 kilometres of the Tanami will be greatly welcomed by all who have to regularly travel that route, particularly freight haulers, pastoralists and locals. The unsealed road is difficult to maintain and is often in a poor state.
“The Tanami Road forms part of the Alice Springs to Halls Creek Roads of Strategic Importance corridor, connecting Alice Springs with North-West Western Australia and sees considerable traffic volumes including heavy vehicles.
“Sealing Territory roads makes for easy journeys meaning less wear and tear on vehicles, reduced freight costs, improves reliability and makes sure business keeps moving in a safe and productive way,” NT Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler said.
Upgrades to Tanami Road will help support regional as well as local economic development by improving and boosting safety for communities and industry in the region.
Tanami Road is a vital inter-regional link that connects Alice Springs to Western Australia and it is a key freight route utilised by the mining and pastoral industries. This road also services several Indigenous communities and serves as an important access road for tourists.
“Good roads are essential to the NT, which is exactly why we are partnering with the Northern Territory Government to deliver this upgrade.
“These upgrades will service a number of industries, including tourism.
“These upgrades will support regional and local economic development and create more jobs by allowing local, visitors and workers to get around the region more quickly and safely,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said.
Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Roads & Infrastructure Australia