A tender has been announced to upgrade, seal and widen a 46.4km section of Port Keats Road in the Northern Territory, with A$90m ($62m) allocated jointly by the Australian and Northern Territory (NT) governments.
The works are aimed at enhancing flood immunity and access for communities in the West Daly region, particularly during the wet season when the road is prone to closures.
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The planned upgrade will cover the stretch between Palumpa (west of Anopheles Creek) and Wadeye, southwest of Darwin.
The Australian Government has committed A$72m to the project, while the NT Government is providing a further A$18m.
Port Keats Road connects several remote communities, including Peppimenarti, Nganmarriyanga, and Wadeye, serving as a vital link across approximately 181km from the Daly River Crossing near Nauiyu to Wadeye.
The road is largely unsealed and is frequently affected by severe weather events.
Flooding can force closures for up to a third of the year, while weight restrictions may remain in place throughout the year, limiting access for local residents and essential services.
The upgrade project aims to increase the road’s flood resilience by constructing 11 causeways incorporating 13 major culverts.
Additional drainage and protection works are scheduled at 24 locations along the route.
These measures are intended to improve road safety and maintain accessibility during the wet season, benefiting social, health, educational, and economic outcomes for the West Daly region.
Australian Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said: “The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring that remote communities have reliable, year-round access to essential services and these works will go a long way to realising that.
“Like many unsealed roads in the Northern Territory, Port Keats Road is significantly affected by wet weather conditions. Releasing this tender is a critical step forward in delivering the infrastructure to improve access for the people who rely on this road.”
Construction is due to start in May 2027 and is expected to continue until October 2030.
Port Keats Road will remain open during the upgrade, with safety measures including speed restrictions, lane closures, and detours as necessary.
