Road project improves wet-weather access in remote north-west

Remote Gulf communities will enjoy improved access during wet weather, with a sealing project to start early next year on the Wills Developmental Road.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today the Wills Developmental Road was often cut during the annual wet season, limiting access to communities such as Burketown.

"By sealing this section of the road south of Burketown, safety and access will be improved for the locals, particularly during the wet season," he said.

"Some Gulf communities are often cut off for weeks during the cyclone season and this work will help reduce those periods of isolation.”

Mr Pitt said up to 70 vehicles a day used the Wills Developmental Road, with 15 percent being heavy vehicles taking supplies to the Gulf and surrounding communities.

"This project, to be carried out by RoadTek North under a $6 million contract, will start early next year, with completion due by the end of November 2008,'' he said.

"It will involve the sealing of a 12km section between Barkly Creek and Brookdale, south of Burketown, and will be the second package of work to be carried out on this road.

"In the first project, a 9km section of the road between Running and Barkly creeks was sealed.

"Providing this sealed road access on the Wills Developmental Road supports Main Roads' vision of connecting communities," Mr Pitt said.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819