The Northern Territory Government confirmed in May that the Tablelands Highway will receive $12.5 million for the Bridge Renewal Program, making life simpler and safer for Territorians.
Minister for Transport Peter Chandler said the State Government is working in partnership with the Australian Government to enhance this important transport link for northern Australia.
“The Bridges Renewal Program will strengthen six of the 11 bridges on the Tablelands Highway between the Barkly Highway and the Barkly Stock Route,” Mr. Chandler said.
This includes Playford River, Boree Creek, Whitehole Creek, Brunette Creek South, Brunette Creek North and Creswell Creek. “Increasing the strength of the six bridges will enable permanent load restrictions to be removed improving key freight network opportunities and productivity,” he said.
Tablelands Highway connects the Barkly Highway and Carpentaria Highway and is a vital rural arterial road that provides services to the cattle industry, pastoralists, communities and tourists.
Construction is proposed to start in early 2016 with completion due the same year.
“Once complete, we will see improvements in road safety with heavy vehicle driver fatigue reducing the hours required to travel,” Mr. Chandler said.
Both the Northern Territory and Australian Governments have contributed $6.25 million towards the Bridge Renewal Program.