The Australian and Northern Territory governments have awarded a $49.5 million contract to upgrade a further 34 kilometres of key transport route, Tanami Road.
The vital inter-regional link services many Aboriginal communities and is a key tourism, pastoral, mining and freight route.
A tender has been awarded to NT business Exact Contracting to upgrade the road between Renehans Bore and Refrigerator Bore.
The existing gravel road will be upgraded to a two-lane sealed standard, along with road safety enhancements and additional culverts to improve drainage.
“The projects support regional economic development,” said NT Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure, Bill Yan.
“The NT Government’s Infrastructure Plan committed $2 billion in targeted road improvements and this investment is already unlocking real work on the ground.
“Better roads mean better outcomes for freight, mining, tourism and locals – and this is exactly what we’re delivering as part of our year of action, certainty and security.”
Works will begin in early 2026 and are expected to be completed by November 2026.
Another package of works is currently being delivered for 21 kilometres of the road by Sitzler Pty Ltd, who were awarded a $26 million contract in October last year.
It follows 150 kilometres of the Tanami Road recently sealed from Yuendumu to west of Chilla Well in June 2025.
“Sealing and upgrading the Tanami Road is reducing disruptions during the wet season, improving road safety and giving communities greater certainty when it comes to access to essential goods and services,” said Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King.
“The investment from the Australian Government, in partnership with the NT Government, to seal the next section of the Tanami will extend those benefits a further 34 kilometres.”
