An important major project is set to commence within the Litchfield municipality - the Girraween and Anglesey Roads Roundabout Project.
Roadworks will begin at the intersection of Girraween and Anglesey Roads within the next month after Litchfield Council successfully lobbied for a $2.5m upgrade. Construction is expected to start to upgrade the busy intersection to a single lane roundabout in April.
Several accidents have occurred at the unsignalised Y-section over the past 10 years, including two fatal accidents. Council carefully considered four options to upgrade the intersection, and the single lane roundabout was recommended as the best option to improve safety.
The roundabout has been designed to cater for road trains with services in place to upgrade it to a dual lane roundabout in the future if required.
A new shared path for bicycles and pedestrians will also be built to help people to safely cross the intersection west of Girraween Rd and the future Hicks Rd link.
Overhead power lines alone Girraween Rd will be relocated, and street lighting will be installed to improve vision at the intersection at night.
During the roadworks period, anyone who travels through the intersection will need to think ahead and plan an alternative route, or allow for a little more time to reach their destination.
Traffic control will be in place during peak periods in the morning, afternoon, and at school pick-up times.
Council is committed to improving important arterial roads in the rural area and actively seeks outside funding to improve roads owned by Council.
The Council has also applied for national blackspot funding to improve and widen several sections of Girraween Rd.
Council will continue to update the community about the start of the roadworks and people are encouraged to register for regular updates by calling 08) 8983 0600 or emailing council@lsc.nt.gov.au.