Work has commenced on the Roper Highway in the Northern Territory to construct two new bridges at Wilton River and Roper River crossings.
The two new bridges are part of the Australian Government’s Regional Roads Productivity Package and will help improve flood immunity, safety and reliability for the local area.
The Australian Government is contributing $32 million to the project under the package, which is a part of its wider Infrastructure Investment Program.
Northern Territory Minister for Transport Peter Chandler said in a statement that, in addition to the construction of high level bridges over the two crossings, 7.3 kilometres of approach roads will be reconstructed including a realigned section of the Roper Highway.
“The Roper Highway is a key road in the Northern Territory road network, linking cattle stations to domestic and international markets as well as access to the East Arnhem tourism region and to the mineral rich Roper Gulf region,” he said.
“During the wet season, the crossings are prone to flooding, making the highway impassable for a significant portion of the year.
“The project will improve access to the local communities, such as the Ngukurr and Numbulwar communities by reducing closure time at the crossings during the wet season.”
Sitzler Pty Ltd will manage delivery of the project as well as focus on increasing indigenous employment through the release of small works packages aimed at indigenous business enterprises and local contractors.
The Roper Highway project is a jointly funded project with the Australian Government contributing $32 million and the Northern Territory Government contributing $8 million.