The sealing of an additional 10 kilometres of Maryvale Road to Titjikala is now complete and is expected to help cut costs for freight operators and improve route reliability.
The works were funded on an 80:20 basis by the Australian and Northern Territory governments as part of the broader $205.9 million Roads of Strategic Importance Alice Springs to Darwin Corridor investment.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said a further 10 kilometres of this vital remote road link in Central Australia had now been sealed to a two-lane sealed standard.
“This project is another example of the Australian Government’s investment in vital infrastructure, helping to connect communities and improve safety, while creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery,” said Joyce.
Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Ewa Lawler said connecting the Territory is one way we are letting the rest of Australia and the world know that the NT is open for business and quality private investment.
“These completed upgrades to Maryvale road will mean reduced costs for our freight operators and improve reliability of the network, making sure business can keep on moving, in a safe and productive way,” said Lawler.
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said other elements of the completed section included the installation of seven culverts to improve drainage and flood immunity.
“This project demonstrates how the Australian Government’s $4.9 billion investment in the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative is delivering crucial infrastructure projects all over the nation,” said Buchholz.
Northern Territory Minister for Central Australia Reconstruction Chanston Paech said the Territory Labor Government is making sure the Territory, and importantly Central Australia, is open for business.
“We have listened to the community and upgraded and extended the seal of the Maryvale Road by a further 10 kilometres, which is important for pastoralists and people in remote communities who rely on this vital link for supplies and exports,” said Paech.
Senator for the Northern Territory Dr Sam McMahon said the work was done by Northern Territory business Aldebaran Contracting Pty Ltd.
“The packages of works supported 59 jobs during construction, boosting employment in the region,” said McMahon.
“This is a clear demonstration at how committed to the Northern Territory the Morrison-Joyce Government is.”
Other elements of the completed section included the installation of seven culverts to improve drainage and flood immunity.
Maryvale Road services Aboriginal communities and pastoral leases and is the main access route for a number of tourist destinations.
The benefits of the project include reduced travel time, reduced costs to freight operators and improve route reliability through a decrease in road closures and reduced vehicle operating costs as well as improved opportunities for all industries through improved access across the region.