Two new high-level bridges will be built at the crossing of the Victoria Highway and Saddle Creek in the Northern Territory next month.
Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Jamie Briggs announced this week that Advance Civil Engineering Pty Ltd has been awarded the $6.6 million construction contract.
“These new bridges will be accessible to motorists all year round being built to a height that will withstand anything up to a one-in-fifty-year flood,” Mr. Briggs said in a statement.
“Works will also include reconstructing 800 metres of the Victoria Highway to raise the level of the bridge approaches.
“This project is a vital part of our record $654 million investment in world class infrastructure to create jobs and build a stronger and more prosperous Northern Territory.”
Northern Territory Minister for Transport Peter Chandler said in the statement that it is estimated the completed works will reduce the average time Saddle Creek crossing is closed each year from 18 hours to less than one hour.
“The works will improve the safety and efficiency of the upgraded sections of the Victoria Highway, particularly for freight vehicles and road trains that make up a significant portion of vehicles using Northern Territory highways,” he said.
“The resulting transport efficiency gains will reduce costs for freight operators and businesses throughout the Northern Territory.”
The Australian Government has committed $77 million to the Northern Territory Roads Package for upgrades to NT roads on the National Land Transport Network.
The Australian Government has allocated $11 million for flood immunity improvements on the Victoria Highway.