35 M NT bridge works complete

Construction is complete on the Northern Territory’s Big Horse and Little Horse bridges, increasing flood immunity on the Victoria Highway.

Works were delivered by Allan King & Sons Construction, who built two new raised bridges on the highway, near Timber Creek, about 300 kilometres west of Katherine.

Northern Territory Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler said the state government provided $15.5 million to the project, which supported more than 60 local jobs.

“These upgrades are critical to improving year-round access and safety for the local Bulla and Amanbidji communities, defence, the pastoral, agriculture and transport industries and tourists,” Ms. Lawler said.

“This will improve the level of flood immunity of the Victoria Highway to provide more reliable road access, whereas currently when the road floods, closures occur for up to four days. This upgrade will see this reduced to less than 12 hours.”

Federal Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack said the Victoria Highway is the only sealed connection between the Northern Territory and Western Australia, linking the Great Northern Highway with the Stuart Highway.

“The Federal Government committed $20 million to the project, which is part of the Perth–Darwin National Highway Network,” Mr. McCormack said.

“The new bridges will improve safety for road users and increase flood immunity, significantly reducing highway closures.”

Related stories:

• Contract awarded for $35.5 million bridge works in NT
• Deakin researchers design maintenance-free bridge
• Billion-dollar funding package announced for regional roads and timber bridges