Construction for the second stage of the Northern Territory’s Tiger Brennan Drive Overpass is now underway in a $127.8 million package addressing safety and congestion.
Tiger Brennan Drive hosts up to 20,000 commuters a day, with congestion credited for multiple crashes and fatalities at the popular route.
The construction of the new overpass will separate the major flow of traffic on Tiger Brennan Drive from the traffic movements on Berrimah Road.
The overpass will also enable the continuous flow of traffic along Tiger Brennan Drive resulting in reduced traffic delays during peak hours, shorter travel times and improved connectivity for freight transport to East Arm Wharf.
Local business Sitzler was recently awarded stage two of the contract for $127.8 million to complete the detailed design and construction of the project which will be delivered over the next two years, supporting 150 jobs at the peak of construction.
The project is jointly funded by the Northern Territory and Federal Government. Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Catherine King, said the project was highlighted in the recent 2022-23 Federal Budget.
“The Federal Government believes in the development of the Northern Territory, most recently highlighted in our $2.5 billion infrastructure budget released last week,” Ms King said.
“This vital funding is not only providing a much-needed boost to local jobs and the economy, it is delivering safety measures to ensure road users stay safe on our roads.”
Prioritising safety and connectivity, the project includes:
- A grade separation that will see Berrimah Road passing over Tiger Brennan Drive
- Realignment of Tiger Brennan Drive to become free flowing
- Entry and exit ramps connecting Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road
- Improvements to Berrimah Road catering to requirements for road trains
- Earthworks, drainage works, pavement construction and asphalt works
- Street lighting, linemarking and road safety barriers
- Traffic signals on Berrimah Road only
- Improved pedestrian and cyclist accessibility, landscaping and urban design
Works will be undertaken in a staged manner with consideration given to minimise impact for all road users, with works to date including:
- Remediation of the site involving the removal of 10,000 cubic metres of contaminated soil
- Extensive site investigations to inform the design
- Establishment of perimeter fencing, site office and site support facilities
- Clearing of the site and mulching of vegetation
- Stripping and stockpiling of topsoil for reuse in landscaping works
- Establishment of erosion and sediment controls
- Detailed design of early works packages
- Commencement of service relocations
The Northern Territory’s Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles, said improving safety for local roads was a priority for her government.
“Creating safer roads for all Territorians is a priority of the Territory Government,” Ms Fyles said.
“This landmark roads project will make the daily commute for 20,000 Territorians a whole lot safer.
“The new overpass will enable the continuous flow of traffic along Tiger Brennan Drive resulting in reduced traffic delays during peak hours and improved connectivity for freight transport to East Arm Wharf.”
A new fly through of the design of the overpass has been released showing what the completed works are envisaged to look like, as well as a driver’s perspective of the new route.
Larrakia Nation has been engaged to coordinate expressions of interests for artwork at the overpass. The theme for the artwork is ‘Dalay’ which is the Monsoon season in the Larrakia Calendar.
