Roper Highway Truck bay upgrades

Three truck parking bays will be upgraded on the Roper Highway to improve safety and efficiency on the road network.

Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren Truss, said the Australian government committed $750,000 towards the project.

"This programme boosts productivity and safety for heavy vehicle operations across Australia by enhancing the capacity of existing roads," Truss said.

"An increase in heavy vehicle traffic associated with mining activities in the Gulf has highlighted the need for better truck rest stop facilities to help heavy vehicle drivers manage fatigue.”

The funding comes as part of Round Four of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme.

Northern Territory Senator, Nigel Scullion, said the Roper Highway was a critical road link for the state’s mining and cattle industries.

"Many tourists and recreational fishermen use the highway to get to the Roper River and nearby coastal areas, so upgrading the region's transport network is very important to the local economy," Scullion said.

"The Australian government understands how important these links are, which is why we have allocated an extra $200 million for projects under an expansion of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme."

The works are expected to be completed by mid-2016.

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