Constructionhas started on the final 12 kilometres of Litchfield Park Road and the bridgeover the Lower Finniss River to ensure year-round access – supporting 80 localjobs.
LitchfieldPark is one of the most loved destinations in the Territory with about 340,000visitors per year and a projected annual economic benefit of $14 million to theTerritory once construction is complete.
Localcompany Ostojic Group was awarded the $26 million contract in May 2019 toconstruct a new bridge over the Lower Finniss River and complete the upgradeand sealing of the last 12 kilometres of Litchfield park road, completing theloop road.
Theupgrades are essential in order to ensure the road is kept open during the wetseason where it would normally be closed for long periods.
Itis anticipated that the road will effectively become a scenic tourist loopthrough the National Park expanding visitor experience, attracting morevisitors, tourist and locals alike throughout the year, rather than beinglimited to the dry season.
Jobsare being provided to Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal people who havestrong connections to the area, and the Northern Territory Government willcontinue to work with Traditional Owners to ensure their involvement in theproject.
Inorder to improve the flood immunity of the road, road safety and improvedaccess for remote communities, towns in Litchfield Park and surrounds,progressive upgrades and sealing have occurred on Litchfield Park Road over anumber of years.
Worksare expected to be completed by late 2020, weather permitting.
TheNorthern Territory Government has contributed $39 million to the entireproject, and the Australian Government has made available $5.7 million as partof the Asset Recycling Initiative.
Trafficmanagement will be in place during construction, and motorists are advised tovisit https://www.facebook.com/RoadReportNT/
