The Northern Territory Government has released a $90 million tender to a key West Daly region road in the Northern Territory, southwest of Darwin.
The Government said the works to upgrade, seal and widen a 46.4-kilometre section of Port Keats Road between Palumpa (west of Anopheles Creek) and Wadeye. will improve flood immunity and access to the region during severe weather events in the wet season.
“We are pleased to be upgrading Port Keats Road to provide safer, more reliable access to Wadeye and communities along the route, helping people get to health care, education and work,” said NT Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure, Bill Yan.
“These upgrades will help reduce wet season disruptions, support local jobs and businesses, and open up opportunities to grow the regional economy.”
The NT and Australian Governments have committed $90 million towards the upgrades, comprising of a $72 million contribution from the Australian Government and $18 million from the Northern Territory Government.
Port Keats Road is about 181 kilometres of mainly unsealed road between the Daly River Crossing (near the Community of Nauiyu) and Wadeye and services the West Daly communities of Peppimenarti, Nganmarriyanga and Wadeye.
It is regularly impacted by flooding leading to road closures or weight restrictions following weather events during the wet season.
Road closures can be in place for almost a third of a year and restrictions can apply for a whole year.
The works will improve flood immunity by constructing 11 causeways, consisting of 13 major culverts, along with drainage and protection works at 24 other locations.
The project aims to improve road safety, wet season accessibility and access to essential services, delivering social, education, health and economic benefits across the West Daly region.
Construction is expected to begin in the dry season in May 2027 and continue until October 2030.
