Central Arnhem Road set to be upgraded
A 14-kilometre section of the Central Arnhem Road is set to be upgraded and sealed, improving access for remote communities and strengthening critical road infrastructure. The works will upgrade the existing narrow seal to a two-lane seal, extending from the Manyallaluk turnoff to the Barunga power station. A $21 million contract has been awarded to Allan King and Sons to deliver the works, with construction expected to begin in September 2026 and complete by December 2027.
The program will deliver safer and more reliable journeys by reconstructing and widening narrow sections along the Central Arnhem Road to a dual-lane seal. The Central Arnhem Road is a 645-kilometre highway connecting the regional centre of Nhulunbuy to the Stuart Highway. It services many Aboriginal communities and forms a key tourism drive and freight route for the mining and pastoral industries.
The works carried out by Allan King and Sons will include: Upgrading, reconstructing and widening the road to a two-lane seal Construction of flood immunity improvements to ensure year-round access Upgrades to drainage, bridges and culverts Realignment of key road sections to improve safety for motorists. The 14-kilometre section forms part of the $350 million Central Arnhem Road Upgrade program, jointly funded by the Australian and Northern Territory governments, with the Australian Government contributing $280 million and the NT Government contributing $70 million.
For more information, visit dli.nt.gov.au/projects (link is external) Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King: “These upgrades will improve the transport network by increasing accessibility to remote communities, enhancing road safety and increasing flood immunity. “Upgrading the Central Arnhem Road will mean safer journeys, better connectivity and shorter travel times for freight and passenger vehicles travelling through the region.” Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy: “Upgrading the Central Arnhem Road will help improve safety and reliability for remote communities and Territorians.
“For many Aboriginal communities, this road is an important connection to essential services, education, employment and family. “This investment will help deliver stronger infrastructure and more reliable year-round access, while supporting the communities and industries that rely on the Central Arnhem Road.” Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP: “The Albanese Labor Government is committed to improving road infrastructure right across the Northern Territory.
“The sealing of this section of the Central Arnhem Road will bring more economic opportunities to our regions while also making it easier for Territorians to visit family and access services. “Delivering for the bush is a key priority of mine and I’ll keep fighting in Canberra to deliver for remote Territorians.” Quotes attributable to NT Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan: “The Central Arnhem Road is one of the Territory's most important transport corridors, connecting remote communities, supporting major industries and providing a vital link between Nhulunbuy and the Stuart Highway.
This investment will deliver safer, stronger and more reliable access while helping unlock economic opportunities across mining, pastoral, tourism and local businesses. “The upgrades will deliver a wider, stronger and more flood-resilient road, with improved drainage, culverts and floodways helping to reduce wet season closures and improve seasonal reliability.” Subscribe and stay up to date Connect with us PM&C acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, water and community.
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