The overpass at the Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road intersection is becoming a reality with construction well underway.

Local business Sitzler has recently been 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 and support 150 jobs at the peak of construction.

Works to date include:

• 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.

Today, a new flythrough of the design has been released showing what the completed overpass is envisaged to look like, as well as a driver’s perspective of the new route.

Close to 20,000 vehicles travel on Tiger Brennan Drive each day and this busy intersection has tragically been the location of multiple crashes and fatalities.

The new overpass will separate the major flow of traffic on Tiger Brennan Drive from traffic movements on Berrimah Road.

• Prioritising safety and connectivity, the project includes:
• a grade separation that will see Berrimah Road pass 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, line marking 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.

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.

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Northern Territory governments with $165 million now allocated on a 50:50 basis.

The increased funding commitment is not unusual in large-scale projects like this and follows extensive design and site investigation works while also taking into account market increases in the civil construction market.

For more information and to view the fly through, go to dipl.nt.gov.au/tbd-overpass.

Quotes attributed to Federal Government Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“The Australian Government believes in the development of the Northern Territory, most recently highlighted in our $2.5 billion infrastructure commitment for the Top End in the Federal Budget released last week.

“This vital funding is not only providing a much-needed boost to local jobs and the economy, it is also delivering safety measures to ensure road users stay safe on our roads.”

Quotes attributed to Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:

“Creating safer roads for all Territorians is a priority of the Territory Labor Government. 

“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.”

Quotes attributed to the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler:

“It is exciting to see well-respected Territory company Sitzler delivering these works over the next two years, supporting 150 jobs at the peak of construction.

“Quality roads connect our regions and communities. This overpass at the Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road intersection will make this road safer and the journey between Darwin and Palmerston quicker.

“Our Government’s continued strong investment in new infrastructure projects will see support for local businesses across a number of industries meaning more jobs for Territorians.”

Quotes attributed to Federal Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling:

• “Territorians have lost their live at this intersection. It’s busy and dangerous, and I know that the people and businesses of Greater Darwin will warmly welcome this much-needed overpass, which will greatly improve safety and save lives.
• “The Australian Government is proud to be working with the NT Government to deliver exactly this type of vital infrastructure project in the Territory, including almost $2.5 billion of key infrastructure election commitments in the recent Federal Budget.
• “As the local federal member, I’m delighted to be able to deliver for the Territory.”