The Northern Territory Government this week revealed the project would cost a staggering amount of public money and could take 20 years to complete.

The project would include a two lane road, a second high level bridge along the Katherine River and a number of other bridges, culverts and intersections.

Based on projected traffic figures it is expected that the road would be required in the next 20 plus years.

The project will depend on a number of factors such as industrial, agricultural and mining activities in the Katherine region and the impact that may have on the transport task.

The community consultation is ongoing and is expected to be closed on March 3, 2017. 

A NT Government spokeswoman said the department first needs to complete planning for the project.

“The response the department has received so far is very positive and the community is supportive of the preferred route alignment for the long term Katherine Heavy Vehicle Alternate Route,” the spokeswoman said. 

The corridor is vital in the long term planning for economic growth with expected increases in heavy vehicles using the Stuart Highway to transport, agriculture, cattle and resources to Darwin..

An upgraded Bicentennial Road is expected to be the first section of the alternative route which would have intersection upgrades and widening works. 

There will be further community consultation sessions on Friday, February 3 (2-5pm), Saturday, February 4 (9am-noon) and Saturday, February 25 (9am-noon).