A design contract to identify future infrastructure requirements to provide improved road access to Alice Springs through Heavitree Gap has been awarded to SMEC Australia Pty Ltd.

The section of the Stuart Highway just south of Alice Springs passes through the picturesque MacDonnell Ranges.

The Gap is reasonably narrow and constrained by Aboriginal sacred sites, heritage sites, the Todd River, the National Railway line as well as a number of major services.

The Stuart Highway through the Gap is the only sealed road link connecting the Northern Territory to South Australia, as well as the Alice Springs CBD to the rural residential and industrial developments south of Alice Springs, and the Alice Springs Airport.

The objectives of the design project is to develop;

• a viable infrastructure solution for the future duplication of the Stuart Highway through the Gap;

• an upgraded connection through the Gap to cater for the future needs of all road users;

• a solution that achieves improved freight productivity, road safety, travel efficiency and amenity;

• infrastructure solutions that are aesthetically sympathetic to the MacDonnell Ranges, Todd River and the natural surrounds of Heavitree Gap.