The southern part of Berrimah Rd leading to East Arm will be closed for up to a year as part of the next stage of the Tiger Brennan Drive overpass construction, a project that almost tripled in cost since it was first announced.

Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Joel Bowden said in a statement the overpass had achieved a “major milestone”, that milestone being that 19 of 38 girders had been lifted into position to create the bridge deck.

He said the “milestone” coincided with the beginning of phase two, which included the demolition of existing road infrastructure and construction of high fill embankments, installation of major culverts, footpaths and street lighting.

And during this phase two, Berrimah Rd from Wishart Rd to Tiger Brennan Drive will be closed to all traffic with access to East Arm via Wishart Rd. Vehicles travelling between Darwin and Palmerston can continue along Tiger Brennan Drive as normal.

The project website states that section of Berrimah Rd is expected to be closed for between 10 to 12 months when the entire project is scheduled to be finished.

While Berrimah Rd north from Tiger Brennan Drive to Marlow Rd will reopen about the end of March, subject to the any wet season delays.

Mr Bowden said the project would cost $165 million. That cost only became public in response to a question on notice in NT parliament in late February. In April 2021, the government referred to it in a press release as a $61.5 million project but the cost rose to $110 million in May last year, before increasing again to $127.8 million in November.