The Stuart Highway through Katherine has been made even safer following the completion of work on the upgrade of the intersection with Zimin Drive, the scene of a number of crashes and significant local community concern.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the $1.3 million safety project was delivered by locally-based Allan King and Sons.
“I have no doubt the improvements that have been made will be welcomed by the local residents as well as regular users of the Highway,” said Mr Albanese.
“This fully-Federally funded safety project is part of a much broader capital works program.  In fact, this Government has nearly doubled annual Federal infrastructure spending from $275 to $458 per Territorian,” said Mr Albanese.
Zimin Drive connects the Victoria Highway to the Stuart Highway through the industrial estate and rural areas of Katherine.
Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles said the work that was undertaken involved the widening of the intersection to provide dedicated left and right turning lanes out of Zimin Drive.
“The project, which employed thirteen apprentices and eight Indigenous workers onsite, also lengthened the turning lanes, installed traffic islands and erected new street lighting,” said Mr Giles.
Other recently completed upgrades to the Stuart Highway include new parking bays near Adelaide River, safety improvements at Ringwood Road Intersection, and improved flood immunity near Kings River, with three new 3 kilometre overtaking lanes now under construction between Darwin and Katherine.