The successful contractor will take on the third stage of the highway upgrade
The Northern Territory state government has awarded a $68 million contract for Stage 3 of the Carpentaria Highway upgrades – part of a $254 million upgrade of the 380km-long highway that runs between Daly Waters and Borroloola.
NT Treasurer and Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan announced Exact Contracting Pty Ltd as the successful tenderer to design and construct the next stage of works from the Tanumbirini Propacc Track to 5kms past the October Creek Bridge.
“This is a key milestone in unlocking the full potential of the Beetaloo Sub-basin and improving connectivity to Borroloola and across the Roper Gulf region,” Yan says.
“These upgrades are critical for our cattle, mining and energy sectors, and for the remote communities that depend on this vital transport corridor year-round.”
Stage 3 will deliver:
- a dual-lane sealed road between CH140km and CH175km
- a new, two-lane sealed October Creek Bridge
- upgraded flood immunity through widened and elevated road infrastructure.
Jointly funded by the Australian government and Northern Territory government, the works form part of a five-stage upgrade to the Carpentaria Highway:
- Stage 1 (CH2–50km):Completed September 2024
- Stage 2 (CH50–140km):Under construction, completion due June 2025
- Stage 3 (CH140–175km):Contract awarded
- Stage 4:Carpentaria and Stuart Highway intersection upgrade (design underway)
- Stage 5 (CH175–270km):Planning and investigations in progress.
Each year, about 30,000 head of cattle are transported along the Carpentaria Highway to East Arm Port, with 15 pastoral stations relying on the route for market access.
Yan says the investment would deliver long-term economic benefits.
“This is about building the roads that power our economy – reducing travel times, increasing safety and supporting private investment across the Territory,” he says.
Exact Contracting general manager operations David Fellows says the company was proud to play a role in the Territory’s development.
“We are excited to continue our work on the Carpentaria Highway. Our strong local presence and experience position us well to deliver this important project,” Fellows says.
“We’re committed to supporting local industry, providing training and career pathways for Territorians, and investing in long-term community growth.
“Through our partnership with CDU, we’re engaging local students and graduates to build Territory capability and promote long-term careers within the NT.”
Construction on Stage 3 is expected to begin in May 2025 and be completed by December 2025.
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