STUART HIGHWAY DUPLICATION BEGINS

A major Stuart Highway upgrade is now underway to improve flood immunity, safety and efficiency in Alice Springs.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the upgrade included improvements to the Motor Vehicle Registry and the entrance to Herbert Heritage Drive intersection.

 

“Around Australia we are investing to make sure people can get home sooner and safer, and provide a boost to productivity,” Mr McCormack said.

 

“The beginning of the Stuart Highway supplication is another critical part of improving our roads, no matter where you live.”

 

Federal Minister for Regional Services, Sport, Local Government and Decentralisation and Deputy Nationals’ Leader Bridget McKenzie said the upgrade is part of the Government’s National Network Road Safety and Fatigue Management Initiative.

 

“Our investment includes intersection upgrades, new rest areas and truck parking bays for the Stuart Highway, Victoria Highway and the Barkly Highway,” Senator McKenzie said.

 

“These projects will improve road safety on Northern Territory highways by providing heavy vehicle operators with additional rest opportunities and upgrading problematic intersections.”

 

The duplication project will cater for increased traffic in the busy commercial and industrial area.

“Over the life of the project, the Stuart Highway duplication is expected to support more than 60 jobs and the improved road infrastructure will support further economic development in Alice Springs in the years to come,” Senator McKenzie said.

 

“Works are expected to be completed next year, weather permitting, and will include the construction of two travel lanes in either direction and dedicated turning lanes at various intersections.”

 

Senator for Northern Territory Nigel Scullion said the project was planning for the future of Alice Springs.

 

“This project will help reduce pressure on other roads in Alice Springs and provide commuters with safer and more efficient means of access,” Senator Scullion said.

“We look forward to working with the Northern Territory Government to deliver these important upgrades.

 

“This is just another project which has been made possible thanks to our good economic management and our determination to build the safer roads Australians need, expect and deserve.”

 

The Stuart Highway Upgrade from the Motor Vehicle Registry entrance to Herbert Heritage Drive Intersection also includes off road cycle and pedestrian paths, improved street lighting, upgrades to the kerb and gutters, undergrounding of the drainage systems, landscaping using native arid plants and improved access to the information bay.

 

The Stuart Highway project is the eighth and final project to be delivered under the $19 million National Network Road Safety and Fatigue Management Initiative package of works, which is part of the broader $77 million Northern Territory Roads Package.

 

Ends.