Following the beginning of construction of Stage 1 of the $40 million Buntine Highway Upgrade in the Northern Territory, further upgrades to the highway are set to get underway with the contract to build Stage 2 awarded to Aldebaran Contracting.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, this project will deliver road widening and strengthening that will provide improved road quality, efficiency and safety. The Minister also said that this project is funded through the $600 million Northern Australia Roads Program (NARP).
“The Buntine Highway is a major transport link and these upgrades will significantly benefit the region’s cattle industry, with around 15 pastoral stations relying heavily on the Buntine Highway to get their cattle to Darwin.
“These targeted upgrades will decrease maintenance costs, as well as reduce flood-related closures, travel times and load restrictions during wet season, making these welcome improvements for the cattle industry which is so central to the North’s prosperity,” Mr McCormack said.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Senator for the Northern Territory Nigel Scullion said that upgrading the Buntine Highway demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to improving the State’s connectivity and road quality.
“The priority sections identified for upgrading have been developed in close consultation with key stakeholders including the Northern Territory Cattelemen’s Association and the Northern Territory Road Transport Association.
“This will ensure the project delivers the maximum benefits in terms of safety and productivity,” Mr Scullion said.
The Buntine Highway upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and NT Governments, each contributing $32 million and $8 million respectively. This project is also expected to create up to 30 jobs during construction.
The upgrade is anticipated to be completed in late-2019, weather permitting.
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Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; NT Government Newsroom; Roads and Infrastructure Australia
