Making Territory Roads Safer for Truck Drivers

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Leader of the House
Member for Grayndler (NSW)

Adam Giles
NT Transport and Infrastructure Minister

The Federal and Northern Territory governments will partner with the transport industry to provide $10.3 million to improve road facilities for long distance truck drivers that use the Territory's highways every day.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the new money will be used to strengthen bridges on the Buntine Highway, strengthen and widen the pavement along the Carpentaria Highway and upgrade or provide truck parking bays on Tanami Road and the Lasseter and Plenty Highways.

“The Federal Labor Government has contributed $8.3 million to these projects, which have been approved under the $220 million Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, and build on the 4 projects which have already received funding in previous rounds,” he said.

“Established by this Government shortly after coming to office in late 2007, this Program is the first ever dedicated Federal response to the lack of safe, modern rest stops along the nation's highways.

“Fewer fatigued truck drivers behind the wheel will help make our roads safer for everyone.”

The Northern Territory Government will be contributing $1.6 million towards the projects.

Northern Territory Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government, Adam Giles, said the projects were selected following consultation with the trucking industry.

“Today's announcement is a good example of the Federal and Territory governments working together to make the local trucking industry even safer and more productive,” he said.

“As part of this program, we will also be constructing cattle loading ramps for Bohning Cattle Yards and upgrading road access to the Northern Australian Beef Limited Abattoir site.”

“These much needed improvements will upgrade out-dated facilities and keep rural truck drivers and their families safe.”

For more information, please visit www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2013/March

Source: ProjectLink.com.au

View All »