Back | Print

The Territory Government is calling for tenders to undertake additional works on the Barkly Highway to help to reduce future flood damage.

 

The Minister for Infrastructure, Delia Lawrie, said the works included upgrading the Ranken River Crossing on the Barkly Highway to reduce road damage from future flooding.

 

“The Barkly Highway is a major transport corridor between Tennant Creek and Cloncurry in Queensland but was forced to close earlier this year as a result of flood damage,” Ms Lawrie said.

 

“In January unprecedented floodwaters from the Ranken River caused damage along two kilometres of the highway and washed away a 70 metre section and caused the closure of the Barkly Highway.

 

“At the flood peak, the water level rose a metre above the crossing – the first time the crossing had flooded since it was constructed in 1979.

 

“Emergency repair works were completed in March costing $2.73 million however the Government wants to ensure that future floods will have a minimal impact on the Barkly Highway.”

 

Ms Lawrie said tenders will close on October 7 with work expected to be completed by next wet season.

 

“A Sinclair Knight Merz study of the road looked at the current design and identified improvements to reduce future flood damage,” she said.

 

”The study found work including reinforced concrete batters on the downstream batter will upgrade the protection of the crossing and prevent significant road damage during extreme flooding events.

 

“The re-installment of the culvert will be undertaken at the same time as the protection works.”

 

Media Contact: Campbel Giles 0407 972 900

 

Related files:
091002 Lawrie_Barkly Highway.pdf ( 56.96 kb )