The Federal Government has allocated $33.3 million to the Northern Territory for new road safety upgrades and improvements under the first round of the $2 billion Road Safety Program.
Northern Territory Government has also provided $13.7 million for further safety works.
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said works under this round of the program will begin this month and be completed by June 2021.
“This first tranche of funding will deliver measures that will save lives across 43 projects in the Territory, resulting in safety upgrades to around 150 kilometres of the Territory’s road network,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Projects will include upgrades to regional roads, such as shoulder widening, installation of audio tactile line markings and roadside barriers, intersection safety improvements and construction of rest areas and truck stop facilities.”
This will be the first batch of federal funding for the Northern Territory, in total there will be $96 million available under the program to roll out safety upgrades through to June 2022.
As with federal funding for other states and territories, the Road safety Program funds are subject to ‘use it or lose it’ provisions which require the funds to be used within a timeframe, or there will be reallocated to projects in other jurisdictions.
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.
“This investment will also create new 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. I am also pleased that funding will enable preparatory works to commence on the long awaited Tiger Brennan Drive/Berrimah Road overpass, where a number of people have lost their lives.”
Related stories:
- Northern Territory infrastructure grants open
- Black spot upgrade for Northern Territory
- Road safety week begins and WA sets target for zero road deaths by 2050