$110 Million Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Begins

Construction will start on the $110 million Tiger Brennan Drive extension – ending years of buck-passing and the blame game.

Anthony Albanese, Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Delia Lawrie, Northern Territory Infrastructure Minister, and Member for Solomon Damian Hale all attended the sod-turning ceremony at Berrimah Road.

The $6.5 million Stage One of the Tiger Brennan Drive extension is scheduled for completion by the end of this year – making a real difference for locals. 

Minister Albanese said the new Tiger Brennan Drive extension will help ease congestion and prepare Darwin and Palmerston for the challenges of the 21^st century.

“The Rudd Government has committed $74 million to this vital project to help the Territory build on the economic opportunities of the Port of Darwin.

“Darwin and Palmerston are also two of Australia’s fastest growing communities and have the highest percentage of young families.

“The Tiger Brennan Drive extension will help Top End working people spend less time in traffic and more time with their kids.

“Darwin is fast becoming a major point of trade and we are determined to improve road networks and take advantage of economic opportunities.

“This project should streamline access to the East Arm Port for trucks and trains to help deal with increases in freight transport,” Mr Albanese added.

Territory Infrastructure Minister, Delia Lawrie, said the project will slash travel times for people.

“The Territory Government has invested $36 million in the Tiger Brennan Drive extension - this is one of the most important infrastructure projects for the Darwin region,” she said.

“People travelling between Darwin, Palmerston and the rural area can look forward to a faster and safer trip in the future.

“The Territory Government is working with the Commonwealth to deliver the Tiger Brennan Drive extension as quickly as possible.

“All indicators show that the population in the greater Darwin area is growing and our economy continues to buck national trends – the Tiger Brennan Drive extension will ensure we meet the needs that come with this projected growth well into the future.”

Damian Hale, Member for Solomon, said that delivering the Tiger Brennan extension is one of his top priorities.

“I live in Palmerston and know first hand what local families experience everyday.

“Being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic instead of spending time with your kids is not acceptable.

“That’s why I understand what a difference the Tiger Brennan extension will make for families on a daily basis.

“This project will also take more trucks and semis off local streets and make it safer for mums and dads, children and their bikes.

“I will continue working with my colleagues in Canberra to make sure the top priorities for Solomon are met,” Mr Hale added.

Ms Lawrie asked local residents to be patient while Stage One construction was underway, adding that the Territory Government was working to minimise disruption.

Stage one will duplicate lanes on Berrimah Road between Tiger Brennan Drive and Wishart Road and create dual turning lanes to address the congestion experienced there during peak hours.

Environmental assessment and engineering works on stage two that will include the flyover and 7 km extension of Tiger Brennan Drive to the Stuart Highway are already underway.

8 April 2008

DARWIN

Mr Albanese’s office – Moksha Watts (0413 389 070)

Ms Lawrie’s office – Nicole Manison (0448 693 279)

Mr Hale’s office – Brett Walker (0401 119 789)