The funding was announced this morning with the federal and Northern Territory governments each committing $20 million to upgrade the NT part of the link, whose total length stretches 2800km across the outback to link Winton in Queensland to Laverton in Western Australia.
The full scope of works is yet to be determined but construction will begin this financial year to extend the sealed length of the Plenty Highway up towards Harts Range.
“We are also allocating funding for design work on the flood plain crossing on the Docker River Road, which often disrupts traffic,” NT Chief Minister Adam Giles said.
“This investment is about improving access to our remote communities and increasing the prosperity of these regions.”
The immediate works have been welcomed by the Outback Highway Development Council.
“The works on the Plenty and Docker River Road will be a game-changer for locals, tourism and industry,” OHDC general manager Helen Lewis said.
“The Docker River Road is critical for the connectivity of the route and the integrity of the Outback Highway project.”
In March, the federal and Queensland governments, as well as seven western Queensland councils, signed a funding agreement worth $24.5 million to upgrade the Queensland section of the Outback Way.
Nationally, the federal government has committed $33 million to the project.
