The Federal Government has announced a $258 million investment that will help to deliver upgrades to the Stuart Highway and Carpentaria Highway in the Northern Territory.
The Stuart Highway is a major highway running north to south through the middle of Australia. Extending approximately 2700 kilometres, it is a critical corridor for freight and tourism, connecting Darwin to Katherine and Alice Springs, as well as South Australia.
Of the $258 million committed, $200 million will go towards the Stuart Highway Upgrades. This funding will go towards the progressive duplication of priority sections of the Stuart Highway between Darwin and Katherine, to enhance freight movement and improve road safety. Construction will begin mid-2026 and is expected to wrap up by mid-2028.
The remaining $58.3 million has been committed to the Carpentaria Highway Upgrade, which will support further upgrades to 35 kilometres of the connection. In total, the overall project will upgrade 175 kilometres of the Carpentaria Highway, commencing at the Stuart Highway.
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This will improve the efficiency, safety and accessibility of the Carpentaria Highway from the Borroloola township in the east, through the Beetaloo Sub-basin to the Stuart Highway in the west.
These projects add to a number of projects already committed to the Stuart Highway, including the $171.8 million Northern Territory National Network Highway Upgrades (Phase Two), which is delivering works such as pavement strengthening, widening and resurfacing, on priority sections of the Stuart, Victoria and Barkly Highways.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said investing would help to support the future growth of critical freight and transport corridors in the Territory.
“This will be transformational for both residents and visitors of Darwin and Katherine, making journeys smoother, safer and more enjoyable,” King said.
