Two new 150-metre parking bays open on the Stuart Highway to accommodate up to three road trains at any one time
January 25, 2013
Truck drivers using the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory now have another place to pull over and take a break or catch up on their sleep.
Two new federally-funded parking bays on either side of the highway in the township of Adelaide River have opened.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese says the new 150-metre bays can accommodate up to three road trains at any one time.
“In partnership with state and territory governments, as well as the trucking industry, we have been working hard over the last five years to address the unacceptable lack of safe, modern roadside facilities along the nation’s highways,” Albanese says.
“Over time, this investment will help make our highways safer for everyone.
Northern Territory Transport and Infrastructure Minister Adam Giles says the project has replaced an informal truck bay which was located on the northbound side of the highway and also used by southbound trucks, creating a potential safety risk and traffic hazard.
Giles says the $3 million project also resurfaced the section of highway, installed deceleration and acceleration lanes, upgraded the intersection with the nearby service road and improved street lighting.
“What’s more, following consultations with Coomalie Council, the local community, the Cattlemen’s Association and the Police Association, the highway was realigned so as to maintain sufficient distance between the new parking bays and the nearby Glen Huitson Park, named after the last NT police officer to be killed in the line of duty,” he says.
