The new Berrimah Road overpass allows for uninterrupted traffic flow along Tiger Brennan Drive (top to bottom). Image: NT Department of Logistics and Infrastructure.
Darwin’s Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road overpass opened for full operations on Wednesday 16 April.
Tiger Brennan Drive runs from Palmerston to Darwin’s CBD parallel to and about 1.5 km south of the Sturt Highway.
The previous four-way intersection with the north-south running Berrimah Road near Hidden Valley has long been congested, with nearly 20,000 vehicles logged travelling on Tiger Brennan Drive daily, and increasing levels of commercial and freight traffic using Berrimah Road.
But the new overpass now takes Berrimah Road over Tiger Brennan Drive, with on and off ramps to and from the uninterrupted traffic flow below.
Jointly funded by the Federal and Territory governments, construction on the overpass commenced in 2021.
CEO of the Territory’s Department of Logistics and Infrastructure Louise McCormick said the new overpass would improve road safety outcomes, reduce traffic delays during peak hours, and increase traffic flow for freight connectivity.
“By enabling faster and more reliable travel, the project fosters economic connectivity, particularly for industries reliant on efficient freight routes to the East Arm Wharf,” she said.
“For residents, reduced congestion during peak hours translates to valuable time savings and increased convenience, as well as a safer route to and from work.
“As a key connector between the Darwin CBD and Palmerston, careful consideration was given to minimise impacts on road users while the overpass was constructed,” she added.
“We thank the public and local businesses for their patience during the construction phase.”
Works on the overpass project were completed by Sitzler which oversaw the involvement of 242 local businesses with more than 1710 workers, including 191 Indigenous workers and 48 apprentices and trainees.
“Safety and quality were of prime focus to Sitzler in the delivery of this game changing infrastructure element for Darwin and its community, together with clarity and ease of use by the road user,” Director Michael Sitzler said.
“We’re very proud of the project teams’ diligent focus on the delivery of construction excellence and the collaboration between local businesses that have made this transformational infrastructure project possible.
“We look forward to the ongoing benefits it will bring to the community for decades to come.”
Remaining project works scheduled to be completed in the next few weeks include shared user paths, final landscaping and an emergency services access into the nearby Hidden Valley Motor Sports Complex.
