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

Engaged directly by the Northern Territory Government, Exact Contracting delivered a critical piece of infrastructure in upgrading 149 kilometres of the Tanami Highway.

The upgrades improved this critical transport corridor that connects regional communities and supports economic growth. The project was delivered in two key stages:

• Stage 1 (58km), upgrading existing alignment and sealing between Ch. 271.81km – 330.00km
• Stage 2 (91km) design and construct of Ch. 330.00km – 421.00km.

The road construction commenced mobilising in late June 2022. Both stages of the project have now been completed with Exact extremely proud to construct 150kms of high-quality pavement in under three years from contract award.

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 were 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 was required and, in turn, reducing water haulage, CO2 emissions and facilitating higher productivity through adequate water supply that enabled the use of efficient material mixing techniques.

Other key achievements throughout the project so far include:

• 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.