Tanami Road Upgrade and Seal (Ch. 271km to Ch. 358km)

Client: Northern Territory Government
Date: June 2022 – November 2023

Exact Contracting were engaged by the Northern Territory Government to upgrade 149 kilometers of the Tanami Road. These works consist of Stage 1 (58km), upgrading existing alignment and sealing between Ch. 271.81km – 330.00km and Stage 2 (91km) design and construct of Ch. 330.00km – 421.00km.

The road construction commenced mobilising in late June 2022. As of November 2023, the first 58km (stage 1) of road has been sealed, with Stage 2 well underway and on schedule for completion by June 2024.

The project includes:

• Bulk cut-fill earthworks of over 1,800,000m3.
• 330,000m3 of subgrade works.
• Production of type 2 gravel by crushing and screening.
• Cement stabilisation within floodways.
• Major concrete floodways with reinforced concrete pavement with margins and batters.
• Minor cement-treated floodways.
• Truck rest bay.
• RCBC and RCP culvert install.
• Intersection access roads to nearby communities and stations.

In an effort to conserve water and improve water efficiency throughout the duration of the works, a strategic water supply network was designed and constructed following geotechnical investigations where additional bores were installed. A series of earthen water storages have been built and connected to a poly pipeline system along the road corridor, allowing the supply of water along the road alignment to be utilised where it is required and, in turn, reducing water haulage, CO2 emissions and facilitating higher productivity through adequate water supply that enables the use of efficient material mixing techniques.

Other key achievements throughout the project so far include:

• Successful completion of Stage 1 on time and on budget;
• High quality completion of major concrete floodways with concrete batters and minor cement-treated floodways.
• Development and management of quarry for specified project materials to reduce haulage and minimise material import.
• Upgrade of airstrip at Mount Doreen Station, allowing better access for landowners and members of local communities.