Due to a number of fatal crashes in 2018 on the Kakadu Highway, the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics engaged a Road Safety Auditor to develop a strategy to improve road safety on the Highway. The audit identified a number of improvements that could be implemented to improve safety including:

• Reducing the speed through winding sections;
• Install several warning and advisory signs;
• Sealing selected accesses;
•  Widening culverts; and
• Installing guard rails.

The Department has already installed the recommended warning and advisory signs and in the week commencing 12 August, several other actions will be taken.

Speed Reduction

From the 12 August, a permanent speed reduction will take place on a 67km portion of the Kakadu Highway from the Stuart Highway to the Mary River jump up. This portion of the Kakadu Highway has frequent curves and crests. The speed limit within this area will be reduced from 110km/h to 100km/h.

Sealing of selected accesses

Works will commence from Monday 12 August to seal selected accesses along the length of the Kakadu Highway, including the Bukbukluk Lookout access road as recommended by the Coroner.

The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, General Manager of Transport and Civil Services, Ms Louise McCormick, said the Department takes road safety very seriously.

“Following spate of fatal crashes in 2018, the Department undertook an independent audit of the Kakadu Highway to understand if there were any underlying infrastructure issues,” said Ms McCormick.

“The audit identified particular infrastructure improvements, which the Department has been actioning and will continue to action.

“A speed reduction will take place on a 67km portion of the Kakadu Highway from Stuart Highway to the Mary River jump up. This portion of the Kakadu Highway has frequent curves and crests.

“Additional warning and advisory signs have been installed and works to seal accesses will start next week.

“Further work to be undertaken includes widening of culverts over waterways and guard rails.”

“These works are being paid for under a new $3 million program to improve safety of our road infrastructure – a priority action under the Towards Zero Road Safety Action Plan.”

In addition to these works, the Department is reviewing regular maintenance regimes for loose gravel on sealed surfaces in accordance with the Coroners recommendations.

For more information on the these changes, or for other road safety initiatives, visit www.towardszero.gov.nt.au.

ENDS

Media – 0437 868 115