The Northern Territory Government has funded $44 million towards upgrading and sealing a 27km section of the Plenty Highway in Central Australia.
The Plenty Highway is one of the seven interconnecting roads that make up The Outback Way, Australia’s longest shortcut that cuts through the middle of Australia from Queensland through to Alice Springs, NT, before finishing in Western Australia.
Jointly funded by the NT and Australian Governments, the announced upgrades are designed to improve safety and provide greater access and benefits to the freight, mining and tourism sectors as well as remote communities.
As part of the project, concrete causeways will be constructed at the crossings of the Plenty and Marshall Rivers and Bonya Creek.
Intersections to Bonya community and the Jervois Station Roadhouse will be formalised, upgraded and sealed.
Works will also include the relocation and realignment of the Lucy Creek mine intersection to improve sight distance and address safety concerns.
“This multi-million dollar project on the Plenty Highway in Central Australia will improve road safety and reduce travel time for Territorians, drive visitors and all motorists that use this key route,” said NT Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Joel Bowden.
“With the majority of the unsealed section of the Highway below natural surface level, heavy rains can cause road closures and heavy vehicle restrictions, which is why we will continue to progress the sealing of this key highway.
“This is another major infrastructure project for the Territory that will provide skills, training and employment opportunities for Territorians.”
NT Chief Minister, Eva Lawler, said the State Government is focused on sealing NT roads which will allow more businesses to flourish.
“This Government has invested heavily in job-creating infrastructure, stimulus programs and turbocharging tourism — backing Territory businesses — making sure that local working opportunities come first,” she said.
Works are anticipated to commence late July 2024 and be completed by December 2025.
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