Stuart Highway
Duplication work commences on the Stuart Highway in Australia. Credit: Bahnfrend.

A major upgrade on Stuart Highway project in Northern Territory of Australia has begun, which will boost the road’s capacity to withstand floods and safety for motorists.

The A$10m ($7.21m) project will see duplication work being carried out along with intersection upgrades, construction of new rest areas and truck parking bays.

Works will be carried out in Alice Springs, a remote town in Northern Territory.

The project is aimed at meeting the demand of increased traffic along the Stuart Highway.

It will also include off-road cycle and pedestrian paths, improved street lighting.

Undergrounding of drainage systems, upgrades to the kerb and gutters, landscaping with native plants will also be undertaken as part of the project.

“These projects will improve road safety on Northern Territory highways by providing heavy vehicle operators with additional rest opportunities.”

Two travel lanes in both directions will also be constructed in addition to dedicated turning lanes at different intersections.

Victoria Federal Minister for Regional Services and Deputy Nationals’ Leader Bridget McKenzie said the upgrade is part of the Federal Governments National Network Road Safety and Fatigue Management Initiative.

“These projects will improve road safety on Northern Territory highways by providing heavy vehicle operators with additional rest opportunities and upgrading problematic intersections.

“Over the life of the project, the Stuart Highway duplication is expected to support more than 60 jobs and the improved road infrastructure will support further economic development in Alice Springs in the years to come.”

The Stuart Highway project is the last work to be delivered under the A$19m ($13.69m) National Network Road Safety and Fatigue Management Initiative package of works.

Upgrades on the Stuart Highway project are expected to be concluded by next year.