Works begin on Roper Highway bridges

Works have commenced to construct two new bridges on the Roper Highway at the Wilton River and Roper River crossings.

Northern Territory Minister for Transport, Peter Chandler, said the Northern Territory government contributed $8 million towards the project.

“In addition to the construction of high level bridges over the two crossings, 7.3 kilometres of approach roads will be reconstructed including a realigned section of the Roper Highway,” Chandler said.

“The Roper Highway is a key road in the Northern Territory road network, linking cattle stations to domestic and international markets as well as access to the East Arnhem tourism region and to the mineral rich Roper Gulf region.”

Sitzler was selected to manage delivery of the project, which is a company with focus on indigenous employment.

The works aim to improve flood immunity on the highway, as part of the Regional Roads Productivity Package.

“During the wet season, the crossings are prone to flooding, making the highway impassable for a significant portion of the year,” he said.

“The project will improve access to the local communities, such as the Ngukurr and Numbulwar communities by reducing closure time at the crossings during the wet season.”

Traffic on the Roper Highway has increased six per cent each year over the past decade. 

View All »