The tender to upgrade Keep River Road has been awarded to local company Exact Contracting Pty Ltd for $58 million.
Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler said the upgrades will improve road safety and increase flood immunity, ensuring year-round access to such an important supply route.
“During construction alone this project will more than 100 local jobs.”
“These works will also support Project Sea Dragon - the $1.45 billion prawn aquaculture project which has the potential to create around 1500 ongoing local jobs.”
“Work will help access to remote communities like Legune Station, Spirit Hills Station, Cannon Hills Station, Kneebone Outstation and Marralum Family Outstation. It will also strengthen transport connections for agriculture, resources and pastoral industries – creating opportunities for future investment and more jobs for the region,” Ms Lawler said.
Works will be delivered in two stages, with stage 1 works including the upgrade of 13.4 kilometres from the WA border to a two-lane standard toward the Legune Station, and a bridge over the Keep River. Stage 2 works will include a bridge over Sandy Creek.
The road is located on the Western Australia/Northern Territory border, approximately 47 kilometres northeast of Kununurra and 160 kilometres northwest of Timber Creek.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the works would improve safety and reliability of the critical supply route and support economic growth in the north.
“The Federal Government is making good on its commitment to get Australians where they need to go sooner and safer,” Mr McCormack said.
“This is an important investment on a vital transport link for industries which rely on this road to move produce from paddock to plate as well as give the local economy a shot in the arm with construction jobs.”
Senator for the Northern Territory Sam McMahon said the investment would deliver a significant boost for the region.
“This is fantastic news for the local community and for the whole Northern Territory,” Dr McMahon said.
“Not only will this road upgrade further enhance the capabilities of existing businesses in the region but will open up opportunities for further economic investment.”
The Keep River Road project is part of the Northern Australia Roads Program and is a partnership between the Australian Government and Northern Territory Government.
Construction of Stage 1 will commence late 2019 and is expected to be completed late 2020, weather permitting.
There will be minimal impact to road users during construction, as traffic will remain on the existing road alignment and there will be detours when needed. Motorists are advised to adhere to all traffic management and drive with care.
Media Contact:
Ms Lawler – Ellie Clancy 0436 646 689
Mr McCormack – Hannah Maguire 0429 920 254