Local contractor completes $58M Keep River Road construction

The $58 million Keep River Road project has been completed with upgrades to 13.4 kilometres of the road and a bridge over Keep River.

Local Territory business Exact Contracting Pty Ltd delivered this project, which supported 111 direct jobs at the peak of construction, including 26 Indigenous employees.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the completed works have improved safety and reliability of this critical supply route and will further support economic growth in the north.

“This is an important investment on a vital transport link for industries which rely on this road to move produce from paddock to plate as well as give the local economy a shot in the arm 111 construction jobs which were created through this project,” McCormack said.

Upgrades to the road are expected to increase accessibility supporting agricultural development, improved freight capacity, improved flood immunity and increased productivity and economic development.

Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler said the upgrades not only improve road safety it opens up new diversifying economic industries within the NT.

“This newly upgraded road will help access to Legune Station, Spirit Hills Station, Cannon Hills Station, Kneebone Outstation and Marralum Family Outstation. It will also strengthen transport connections for agriculture, resources and pastoral industries – creating opportunities for future investment and more jobs for the region, such as project Sea Dragon,” Lawler said.

“The upgrades open up more economic development opportunities for the Northern Territory. Last month the Northern Territory Government announced an expression of interest for three parcels of land, including one along the Keep River Road.”

The Keep River Road Project is part of the Northern Australia Roads Program which is a partnership between the Federal and Northern Territory Governments.