This week the Northern Territory Government, together with the Australian Government will release a tender for an early contractor involvement contract for a new overpass at the Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road intersection.

The $61.5 million project will be jointly delivered through the Road Safety Program with a 50/50 partnership with Northern Territory and Australian Governments to improve road safety outcomes at this intersection.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the works under the $2 billion Road Safety Program are about improving safety and supporting jobs right across the country.

“In January this year I visited the Northern Territory to announce this joint funding with the Territory Government. The release of the tender this week will create local jobs and keep Territorians safe,” Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Importantly, this is only one of the first batch of projects to be approved under the program for the Territory, with a total of up to $96 million available to the Northern Territory to continue to roll out lifesaving upgrades across the road network through to June 2022.”

Close to 20,000 vehicles travel on Tiger Brennan Drive each day and this intersection has been the location of multiple fatality crashes.

The construction of the new overpass will separate the major flow of traffic on Tiger Brennan Drive from the traffic movements on Berrimah Road.

Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler said every Territorian has the right to return home safely – that is why the Northern Territory Government is committing $13.7 million to multiple road safety packages to deliver on our Towards Zero road safety goals, along with $30.75 million for the Tiger Brennan Drive/Berrimah Road intersection project.

“This investment will support local jobs across a number of industries, continuing our Government’s focus on economic development and jobs for Territorians, while also supporting new infrastructure projects,” said Minister Lawler.

“We are getting the Tiger Brennan Drive/Berrimah Road overpass project off the ground because we understand how important it is to Top End road users.”

The new overpass will enable the continuous flow of traffic at this location resulting in reduced traffic delays during peak hours and improved connectivity for freight transport to East Arm Wharf.

Through the tender released this week the awarded proponent will complete community consultation on the best route for the overpass.

Senator for Northern Territory Dr Sam McMahon said the Tiger Brennan Drive/Berrimah Road interchange is one of the busiest intersections and has been the site of tragic fatal crashes.

“Through the Road Safety Program we have approved $2.5 million to get this critical project underway in tranche 1 and, subject to the ‘use it or lose it’ provisions of the program, a further $28.25 million is expected to flow in tranches 2 and 3 to complete the project and  improve traffic flow for commuter and industrial/commercial traffic and reduce crashes at this intersection,” Dr McMahon said.

“This vital funding is not only providing a much-needed boost to local jobs and the economy, it is delivering safety measures to ensure road users stay safe on our roads.”

An off road cycle path along Tiger Brennan Drive from Berrimah Road to Roystonea Avenue will also be delivered as part of this project.

To view the tender, visit tendersonline.nt.gov.au.