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Government awards Tanami Road contract

The federal government has chosen the company to carry out the vital freight route works in Central Australia

The federal and Northern Territory governments have announced that local NT business Exact Contracting has been awarded a contract to construct works on Tanami Road.

The $73 million tender is for constructing the first stage of works on the Central Australian road, as well as planning for the second stage.

The upgrades include sealing 150 kilometres of the Tanami Road, with works on the first 60 kilometres of the section set to start in July.

The federal government then expects the works to be finished by September 2023, with construction on the second stage to commence in October 2023.

Tanami Road is a vital inter-regional link that connects Alice Springs to Western Australia while also acting as a key freight route for the mining and pastoral industries.

The federal government says the road also services a number of Indigenous Australian communities while also acting as an important access road for tourists.

The upgrades will support regional and local economic development by improving connectivity and increasing safety for industry and communities in the region.

A further 11.8 kilometres of Tanami Road was sealed by Exact Contracting in late 2021 through an early works package.

Federal infrastructure and transport minister Catherine King says the works are important for the Central Australian community.


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“Good roads are essential to the NT, which is exactly why we are partnering with the Northern Territory government to deliver this upgrade,” King says.

“These upgrades will support regional and local economic development and create more jobs by allowing locals, visitors and workers to get around the region more quickly and safely.”

NT infrastructure, planning and logistics minister Eva Lawler says: “Sealing the next 150 kilometres of the Tanami will be greatly welcomed by all who have to regularly travel that route, particularly freight haulers, pastoralists and locals. The unsealed road is difficult to maintain and is often in a poor state.”

“The Tanami Road forms part of the Alice Springs to Halls Creek Roads of Strategic Importance corridor, connecting Alice Springs with North-West Western Australia and sees considerable traffic volumes including heavy vehicles. 

“Sealing Territory roads makes for easy journeys meaning less wear and tear on vehicles, reduced freight costs, improved reliability and makes sure business keeps moving in a safe and productive way.”

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