The overpass at the Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road intersection is set to become a reality with the awarding of the Early Contractor Involvement tender this week.

Local business Sitzler will be delivering these works over the next two years, supporting 150 jobs at the peak of construction, under the Road Safety Program.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the project is another example of Senator Sam McMahon’s determination to deliver for people of the Top End and make sure the infrastructure they need and deserve is funded.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan in action, helping to connect communities and improve safety, while creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“This was part of the first batch of projects to be approved under the program for the Territory, with a total of $144 million available to the Northern Territory across all tranches of the program. The Territory will continue to roll out lifesaving upgrades across the road network through to June 2023.”

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 the awarding of this tender would bolster jobs in the Top End, while also protecting the lives of Territorians.

“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 million for the Tiger Brennan Drive/Berrimah Road intersection project,” Minister Lawler said.

“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.”

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

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

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

“Through the Road Safety Program we are seeing approximately $30 million from the Australian Government to get this critical project underway, which once finalised will improve traffic flow for commuter and industrial/commercial traffic and reduce crashes at this intersection. 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.”

The approximately $61.5 million project is jointly funded through a 50/50 partnership between the Australian and Northern Territory governments.