The Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road overpass project has achieved a major milestone, with 19 of 38 girders lifted into position to create the bridge deck.
With nearly 20,000 vehicles travelling on Tiger Brennan every day, the $165 million overpass project, jointly funded by the Territory and Australian Governments, will improve road safety, reduce traffic delays and increase traffic flow.
Constructed by local company Sitzler, the new overpass will carry Berrimah Road traffic over Tiger Brennan Drive, separating the major flow of traffic on Tiger Brennan Drive from the traffic movements on Berrimah Road, enabling a continuous flow of traffic and continued safety.
This milestone coincides with the beginning of phase two of the project, which includes the demolition of existing road infrastructure and construction of high fill embankments, installation of major culverts, pavements and street lighting.
During phase two, Berrimah Road from Wishart Road to Tiger Brennan Drive is closed to all road users with detours in place, however vehicles travelling between Darwin and Palmerston can continue along Tiger Brennan Drive as normal.
In preparation of the closure of Berrimah Road south, essential upgrades to the Tiger Brennan Drive and Wishart/Kirkland intersections of Tiger Brennan Drive have been undertaken to cater for increased traffic.
The project will also improve traffic flow and connectivity for freight road trains heading to East Arm Wharf.
Traffic will be transitioned to the new alignment of Tiger Brennan Drive in stages once the bridge construction is complete and safe to allow vehicles to pass underneath with the project due for completion at the end of 2024.
Quotes to attribute to Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Joel Bowden:
“The bridge girders are a great visual of the project’s magnitude with the bridge abutments inscribed with artwork by local Larrakia artists Lorraine Williams and Natalie Quall. Each abutment retaining wall features 26 precast concrete panels with the largest panel standing 8 metres high and weighing 11.6 tonnes.
“The Territory Labor Government is improving road safety for all Territorians, by separating the major flow of traffic on Tiger Brennan Drive from the traffic on Berrimah Road through the Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road overpass project.”
Quotes to attribute to Sitzler Project Director, Rod Jeffrey:
“Sitzler is extremely proud to be delivering this significant project for the Territory and it is fantastic to reach another milestone with the installation of the bridge girders and commencement of phase two works.
“This substantial project is bolstering jobs and providing legacy experiences for companies and individuals alike, with over 180 local businesses already involved and more than 800 workers, including 110 indigenous workers and 40 apprentices and trainees.”
