The $28.64 million Coolalinga Road Safety upgrade project along the Stuart Highway is progressing well, with part of the road’s long-term traffic management solution now available.
The upgrades form part of the Australian and Northern Territory Governments’ joint $278 million investment into key transport infrastructure projects to boost the Territory’s economy, make roads safer and create hundreds of jobs for a strong COVID-19 economic recovery plan.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said vital safety upgrades of roads through Coolalinga is expected to create more than 100 jobs.
“These works will improve road safety and bolster the utility of the Stuart Highway in Coolalinga, which is absolutely critical for getting all our motorists home safely,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“A key objective is to support future planning and growth by ensuring that future road projects and developments can easily connect to the road network.
“We are continuing to get shovels in the ground on projects like this across the nation under our $110 billion infrastructure investment pipeline, which is laying the foundations for economic recovery from COVID-19 while ensuring we have the transport infrastructure needed to get people home sooner and safer – no matter where they live.”
Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler said every single job supported by this investment makes a world of difference to individuals, their families and communities, as it will mean more money flowing through local businesses at a time they need it most.
“The design includes changes to the Stuart Highway at Coolalinga and was achieved through several rounds of community consultation and technical investigations,” Minister Lawler said.
“The final design is a long-term strategy, which will address road safety, improve accessibility and allow for future growth in the Territory.”
Senator for the Northern Territory Dr Sam McMahon said some of the key features of the final design include two new sets of traffic lights on the Stuart Highway, providing direct access to and from the shopping precincts.
“Other project works include the extension of service roads on both sides of the Stuart Highway, and the extension of the existing road behind Coolalinga Central to the new signalised intersection,”
Senator McMahon said.
“We will also construct a new road link between the Stuart Highway and Henning Road.
“Construction is set to start in 2021 and will be staged, with priority given to works on the Stuart Highway.”
The Australian Government has committed $22.91 million to this project alongside the Northern Territory Government’s $5.73 million investment.
