Our roads are the lifeline of the Territory, connecting our communities and unlocking new industries and job opportunities for Territorians. 

In partnership with the Commonwealth, the Territory Labor Government is investing $150 million into the Carpentaria Highway to upgrade the road across a program of works. 

The Carpentaria Highway is a key access road for people travelling to Borroloola and for a number of industries including our growing energy sector. The upgrades from single lane to dual lane bitumen supports existing road users, industry and communities by providing more reliable transport and freight links.

Stage one has now been completed, marking an important milestone for the project with 48km of the highway now upgraded and sealed.

These works which include 24 culverts and two truck stops  greatly improve road safety, reduced travel times, reduce vehicle operating costs and bolster flood immunity to increase year round access.

Territory company Exact Contracting are undertaking the program of works with construction for stage two now underway, which will deliver further upgrades and sealed bitumen along to road to Borroloola.   

The Carpentaria project has created over 200 jobs and up to 80 employees can be found on site at any one time. 

Quote attributable to Minister for Territory Development, Eva Lawler: 

“The Northern Territory is entering an era of thriving development and innovation as we power towards a $40 billion economy by 2030.

“The upgrades to the Carpentaria Highway will complement multiple strategic projects currently underway that aim to bring the Territory’s vision of becoming a world-class energy production, manufacturing and services hub to reality.

“Upgrading the Carpentaria Highway involves a range of works including reconstructing, widening, elevating and sealing the road, meaning this important route will have year round access, improving economic opportunities and access to essential services.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Joel Bowden: 

“We know how important roads are in the Territory, which is why we are investing $150 million into The Carpentaria Highway as a key access route to Borroloola and surrounding regions.

“Investing in roads is essential to improve year round connectivity, create jobs and boost economic development, key points our government is focused on delivering.

“Exact Contracting are a Territory company who build great roads, making driving along highway’s like the Carpentaria a smoother and safer journey for Territorians and visitors.”

Source: NT Government Newsroom