Works on the Tiger Brennan Drive overpass have finally started, with the cost continuing to increase – from an original $60 million to now $128 million – $18 million more than the last figure provided in May.

Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler, who previously admitted she was not aware of what the final pricetag will be, said she had been “project managing this project from my car every morning as I drive in and out of work”.

“I think everybody will be amazed and impressed with the work that’s being done,” she said.

“So, there’ll be a lot of disruption, that will keep the disruption to the traffic to a minimum. You don’t want to have those disruptions in the morning traffic when this road is busy. We do need to make it safer, but we’ve also got into the future a lot happening out at East Arm.”

The project’s completion date has also remained a mystery. When asked at a press conference, Ms Lawler said “the aim” was to have the project finished by “third quarter in 2024”, but could not commit to a firm date.

The new overpass will separate the traffic flow on Tiger Brennan Drive—used by 20,000 commuters daily—from the traffic movements on Berrimah Road. The intersection has seen a few crashes and fatalities over the years.

The $127.8 million construction package will also allow unhindered traffic flow on Tiger Brennan Drive, which will reduce traffic interruptions during peak hours, provide a shorter travel period, and better connectivity for freight transport going to and from the East Arm Wharf, the government said.

Jointly funded by the Territory and Federal Governments, the project was highlighted in the 2022-23 Federal Budget.

The scope of the project, which prioritises safety and connectivity comprises an overpass over Tiger Brennan Drive; realignment of Tiger Brennan Drive for traffic to be unrestrained; entry and exit ramps connecting Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road; enhancements to Berrimah Road as per road trains specifications; drainage works, pavement construction and asphalt works; street lighting, lane marking and road safety barriers; traffic signals on Berrimah Road; and improved pedestrian and cyclist accessibility, landscaping and urban design.

“The Federal Government believes in the development of the Northern Territory, most recently highlighted in our $2.5 billion infrastructure budget,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said.

“This vital funding is not only providing a much-needed boost to local jobs and the economy, but it is also delivering safety measures to ensure road users stay safe on our road.”

Construction works are being done on a staggered basis to minimise inconvenience to motorists, with works thus far including:

– Repairing of the site including the removal of 10,000 cubic metres of contaminated soil;

– Wide-ranging site investigations to inform the design;

– Erecting of perimeter fencing, site office and site support facilities;

– Clearing of the site and mulching of vegetation;

– Removal and storing of topsoil for reuse in landscaping works;

– Putting in place erosion and sediment controls;

– Comprehensive design of early works packages; and

– Beginning of service relocations.

Local compnay Sitzler was awarded the contract to finish the detailed design and construction of the project which it claims will “support” 150 jobs.

Artwork for the new overpass with the theme ‘Dalay’—the Monsoon season in the Larrakia Calendar—will be provided by the Larrakia Nation.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the road project will make the daily commute for 20,000 Territorians a lot faster and safer.