Contract Awarded to Seal 150 Kilometres of the Tanami Road

17 June 2022

The Australia and Northern Territory governments are sealing 150 kilometres of the Tanami Road in Central Australia, from chainage 271.81 kilometres to 421 kilometres.

The $73 million tender has been awarded to local Territory business Exact Contracting for the construction for the first stage of the works, as well as the planning for the second stage.

Works on the first 60km section are anticipated to start in July 2022 and be complete by September 2023. Construction on the second stage is anticipated to commence in October 2023.

A vital inter-regional link connecting Alice Springs to Western Australia, the Tanami Road is a key freight route for the mining and pastoral industries, services a number of Indigenous communities, and is an important access road for tourists.

The upgrades will support regional and local economic development by improving connectivity and increasing safety for industry and communities in the region.

A further 11.8km of Tanami Road was sealed by Exact Contracting in late 2021 through an early works package.

For more information, go to dipl.nt.gov.au/projects

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“Good roads are essential to the NT, which is exactly why we are partnering with the Northern Territory Government to deliver this upgrade.

“These upgrades will service a number of industries, including tourism.

“These upgrades will support regional and local economic development and create more jobs by allowing locals, visitors and workers to get around the region more quickly and safely.”

Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler:

“Sealing the next 150 kilometres of the Tanami will be greatly welcomed by all who have to regularly travel that route, particularly freight haulers, pastoralists and locals. The unsealed road is difficult to maintain and is often in a poor state. 

“The Tanami Road forms part of the Alice Springs to Halls Creek Roads of Strategic Importance corridor, connecting Alice Springs with North-West Western Australia and sees considerable traffic volumes including heavy vehicles. 

“Sealing Territory roads makes for easy journeys meaning less wear and tear on vehicles, reduced freight costs, improved reliability and makes sure business keeps moving in a safe and productive way.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour:

“Sealing of the Tanami Road is an example on how the Australian Government will continue to work with the Northern Territory Government to make sure that the Territory is connected.

“Tanami Road is a vital link for the entire Territory, especially in Central Australia.”

Quotes attributable to the Local Member for Gwoja Chansey Paech:

“The Territory Labor Government is continuing to work with the Australian Government to allocate more funding to seal this important transport route beyond Yuendumu.

“This good for our remote communities as it gives greater access to health care, and the ability to travel this road safely.”

Northern Territory Government