Works to upgrade three truck bays on one of the Northern Territory’s key freight routes are now complete, with the newly upgraded stops encouraging drivers to take breaks more often.
The project is jointly funded, with the Australian Government and Northern Territory Government each contributing $750,000 to fund the project.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, said increased heavy vehicle traffic in the Roper Gulf region has accelerated the need for improved truck parking bays to assist drivers with fatigue management.
“These works are crucial to road safety in the Territory and to drivers negotiating the long stretches of often unsealed roads across this region,” Mr Chester said.
“The Australian Government is pleased to have supported this important economic and safety upgrade through the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, which is delivering infrastructure projects across Australia aimed at improving the productivity and safety of heavy vehicle operations.”
Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister, and Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Nicole Manison, said the three new truck bays are located at chainages 39km, 69km and 86km on the Roper Highway.
“The Roper Highway is a critical road link that provides access for the mining and cattle industries, local communities, tourists, and recreational fishermen seeking entry to the Roper River and nearby coastal areas,” Ms Manison said.
“We are committed to working in partnership with the Australian Government to deliver a number of safety and productivity upgrades to the Roper Highway, including the construction of two new high level bridges over the Roper and Wilton rivers through the $103 million Regional Roads Productivity Package.”
Country Liberals Senator for the Northern Territory, Nigel Scullion, said the upgrades will improve safety for a vital freight link for the mining and cattle industries.
“The Coalition Government is investing in safer roads for Territory truckies to help them rest up, revive and continue safely on their journey. These upgraded truck stops will not only be a big boost for the transport industry, but will make our roads safer for all Territory road users,” Mr Scullion said.
