Tender awarded for two new bridges on Roper Hwy

The tender has been awarded for the construction of two new bridges at the Roper River and Wilton River in the Northern Territory.

Sitzler Pty Ltd has been selected to build the new bridges and carry out flood immunity works on the Roper Highway.

The Northern Territory and Federal Governments are contributing $8 million and $32 million to the project respectively, which is part of the Northern Territory Regional Roads Productivity Package under the Infrastructure Investment Program.

The Northern Territory package includes upgrading six regional roads to improve flood immunity, safety and reliability for communities.

Senator for Northern Territory Nigel Scullion said in a statement that the project will improve access to local communities, such as the Ngukurr and Numbulwar by reducing future closure times at the crossings.

“The existing Roper River and Wilton River crossings are bed level crossings and during the wet season, they are prone to flooding, making the highway impassable for a significant portion of the year,” he said.

Northern Territory Minister for Transport Peter Chandler also said in the statement that in addition to the construction of high level bridges over the two crossings, 7.3 kilometres of approach roads will be reconstructed, including a realigned section of the Roper Highway.

“Sitzler will manage delivery of the project and are focused on increasing indigenous employment through release of small works packages aimed at Indigenous Business Enterprises and local contractors.”

Mr. Chandler said that on-site activities will begin this month, with major works to commence in April next year.