Construction ofStage 1 of the Keep River Road upgrade has begun, which will improve access androad safety for Territorians.
ExactContracting Pty Ltd was awarded the $58 million contract for both stages inJuly 2019, which will support more than 150 local jobs.
Works will be delivered in two stages, with Stage 1 includingthe upgrade of 13.4 kilometres from the Western Australia border to a two-lanestandard toward the Legune Station, and a bridge over the Keep River.
This will openup regional and economic opportunities through year-round road access.
Keep River Roadis a critical supply chain to a number of proposed private projects such asProject Sea Dragon, a $1.45 billion prawn aquaculture project that has thepotential to create around 1500 ongoing local jobs.
Theroad is located on the NT/WA border, approximately 47 kilometres northeast ofKununurra and 160 kilometres northwest of Timber Creek.
The project isjointly funded by the Australian Government, as part of the Northern AustraliaRoads Program, in partnership with the Northern Territory Government.
Construction ofStage 1 is expected to be completed in late 2020, weather permitting. Stage 2,which is expected to include a bridge over Sandy Creek, is subject to finalAustralian Government funding approval.
There will beminimal impact to road users during construction, as traffic will remain on theexisting road alignment, with detours as needed. Motorists are advised toadhere to all traffic management and drive with care.
Quotesfrom the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport andRegional Development, Michael McCormack:
Infrastructureimprovements, such as the Keep River Road upgrade project, help to boost roadsafety and transport efficiency.”
These upgradeswill benefit the economy of the region by strengthening freight capacity androad accessibility.
Flooding andboggy road conditions will no longer impede road transport, opening up a vitallink all year round.
Quotesfrom the Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure, Planning andLogistics, Eva Lawler:
We areinvesting in infrastructure that supports greater private investment in theTerritory, more economic opportunities and creates local jobs for Territorians.
Constructionof this important road will support more than 150 local jobs and providebetter access for people living and workingin remote communities and stations like Legune Station,Spirit Hills Station, Cannon Hills Station, Kneebone Outstation and MarralumFamily Outstation.
This willstrengthen our transport connections for agriculture, resources and pastoralindustries, creating opportunities for future investment and more jobs for theregion.
Senatorfor the Northern Territory, Dr Sam McMahon:
The Keep RiverRoad upgrades will help Territorians and tourists alike to travel safely acrossthe Outback
Theseupgrades are an important investment in the future of the Northern Territoryand its people.
The AustralianGovernment has committed $69,850,000 to the project, with the NT Governmentcommitting an additional $17,462,500.
