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Bridging the Gap: Safer Roads, Smarter Solutions for Darwins Transport Network

Sitzler, a leading Australian civil and infrastructure contractor, is at the forefront of delivering the Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road Overpass Project in Darwin, NT. The project showcases innovative engineering, sustainability, and meticulous planning, Sitzler tackled complex challenges with precision.

Sitzler

As the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contractor, Sitzler managed the construction of a grade-separated intersection to improve safety, capacity, and freight efficiency on one of the Northern Territory’s busiest transport corridors.

“This project is a game-changer for the region,” said Rod Jeffrey, Project Director at Sitzler. “We’re not just building an overpass—we’re ensuring safer, more efficient transport connections for thousands of commuters and freight operators every day.”

The construction of high-fill embankments for the overpass was one of the project’s most demanding challenges. Sitzler employed geotechnical reinforcement techniques, including geogrid-reinforced soil structures, to ensure stability, reduce and manage settlement over time.
“Excavating 45,000m³ of Class 2 rock was no small feat,” Rod explained. “We had to implement staged excavation and controlled blasting to ensure safety and precision while minimising disruption to ongoing traffic.”

The bridge design and construction required careful planning and staging to maintain traffic flow. Sitzler used a combination of precast and cast-in-situ elements, including precast post-tension girders and parapets, to optimise the program and minimise traffic impacts.

“Sitzler has a significant team of engineers and experienced bridge builders that were mobilised for the project and worked closely with the Sitzler traffic management specialists to maintain traffic flows at all times. The safety of our workforce and the safety of the friendly public, as well as other stakeholders, was preeminent,” said Rod Jeffery.

To streamline the project and enhance safety, Sitzler integrated cutting-edge digital tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and automated surveying technology.

“Using BIM allowed us to visualise the entire overpass in detail before construction even began,” Rod noted. “This meant fewer errors, faster decision-making, and better coordination between all teams on-site.”

Automated surveying and real-time data monitoring were also deployed to optimise grading, alignment, and embankment stability, ensuring precise execution of all structural elements.

To accelerate construction and maintain quality control, Sitzler relied on prefabrication and modular techniques wherever possible.

“Precast bridge segments and preassembled drainage culverts reduced on-site work, improved safety, and helped us meet tight project deadlines,” Rod said. “It’s an approach that not only saves time but also enhances overall build quality.”

These modular components were manufactured off-site in a controlled environment, ensuring consistency and reducing waste, aligning with the project’s sustainability goals.

Sitzler placed a strong emphasis on eco-friendly construction practices, integrating sustainable materials and environmental protection measures throughout the project.

“We’ve incorporated recycled materials in the road base and fill, and we’re using low-carbon concrete to reduce emissions,” Rod explained. “Sustainability is a major focus for us, and we’re always looking for ways to minimise environmental impact while maintaining durability.” Vegetation and erosion control measures were also implemented to protect surrounding ecosystems and prevent runoff pollution.

“This overpass is going to make a real difference to the way people and goods move through Darwin,” Rod said. “We’re honoured and delighted to be part of such a transformational infrastructure project that will serve the Northern Territory for decades to come.”

As Sitzler continues to deliver complex infrastructure projects across Australia, the Tiger Brennan Drive/Berrimah Road Overpass Project stands as a testament to the company’s engineering expertise, commitment to innovation, and dedication to sustainability.

For more information contact Sitzler, website www.sitzler.com.au

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Keeping the Territory Moving

Hosepower ensured minimal downtime on Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road Overpass with 24/7 hydraulic hose services.

Hosepower

Hosepower provided comprehensive hydraulic and industrial fluid solutions for the Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road Overpass Project.

As the Northern Territory’s largest hydraulic hose company, Hosepower delivered a 24/7 mobile hydraulic hose breakdown service, ensuring minimal downtime for lead contractor Sitzler and other subcontractors.

“Our service is what sets us apart. Our staff are trained and well-resourced to react quickly, ensuring our clients can keep moving,” explained General Manager, Shaymus Frewen. “Our motto is simple: ‘Hoses while you wait.’ If we don’t stock it, we’ll find it.”

In addition to their mobile workshops, Hosepower supported the project through their Darwin-based workshop, which specialises in rebuilding hydraulic cylinders and repairing associated components.

Their over-the-counter sales service provided a wide range of industrial, hydraulic, and pneumatic components. Examples include water transfer hoses and fittings, oil and grease pumps, machine auto-lubrication systems, and truck hydraulic pumps and PTOs.

With a team of 25 trained staff, Hosepower ensured rapid response times, reducing delays and keeping the project on schedule. Their strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers allowed for timely sourcing of critical components.

Their mobile service trucks, equipped for diagnostics and repairs, played a critical role in addressing hydraulic issues onsite, further minimising project disruptions. By providing seamless support, Hosepower reinforced their reputation as a leader in the Territory’s construction and infrastructure sectors.

Through their dedication to reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency, Hosepower demonstrated the transformative power of reliable service and expertise on one of the Territory’s most significant infrastructure projects. Their involvement underscores the importance of local expertise in driving successful outcomes.

For more information contact Hosepower, 7 Verrinder Road, Berrimah Darwin 0828, phone 08 8984 3828, email sales@hosepower.com.au, website www.hosepower.com.au

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HiQA Geotechnical Sets Rock Solid Standards for Materials Testing

HiQA Geotechnical completed construction materials testing, delivering precise soil, concrete, aggregate, and asphalt analysis across the NT.

HiQA Geotechnical

Specialising in construction materials testing, the Darwin-based company, HiQA Geotechnical demonstrated their expertise in soil, concrete, aggregate, and asphalt testing, solidifying their position as an industry leader in the Northern Territory.

HiQA’s involvement in the project extended across various essential testing services. “We conducted conformance testing for soil compaction, process testing for Sitzler, and asphalt and concrete testing,” said Luke Myall, Managing Director of HiQA. With their state-of-the-art laboratory—the only facility in Darwin capable of testing soil, concrete, aggregate, and asphalt under one roof—HiQA ensured the highest standards of quality and reliability for the project.

A standout feature of their contribution was their new asphalt coring rig, acquired from the UK specifically for this project. “The rig enabled precise and efficient asphalt testing, which was critical during the night works,” Myall said. Their ability to operate 24/7, with dedicated day and night crews, ensured seamless support for the project’s demanding timeline.

HiQA’s innovative approach included using advanced equipment and methodologies to meet stringent project requirements. “The Northern Territory Government and Sitzler trusted HiQA to deliver accurate and timely results,” said Myall. This trust underscores the company’s reputation for precision and consistency in geotechnical services.

Beyond the Tiger Brennan Drive project, HiQA continues to work on major infrastructure developments, such as the Tanami Road Upgrade and the Carpentaria Road Upgrade. Their expertise and commitment to excellence position them as a key player in the Northern Territory’s ongoing infrastructure growth.

HiQA’s role in this landmark project highlights their integral contribution to building safer and more efficient roads for the Territory.

For more information contact HiQA Geotechnical, 1/6 Wedding Road Tivendale NT 0822, phone 08 8947 4802, email darwin@hiqa.com.au website www.hiqa.com.au

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ARMS Nurtures Long-Term Sustainability in Civil Landscaping

ARMS delivered sustainable landscaping solutions, ensuring durability and environmental resilience for Tiger Brennen Drive and Berrimah Road Overpass.

Aussie Rental Maintenance Services (ARMS)

Aussie Rental Maintenance Services (ARMS) delivered high-quality commercial landscaping solutions to enhance the final stages of the infrastructure upgrade in the Tiger Brennan Drive & Berrimah Road Overpass project. Specialising in sub-grade preparation, topsoil placement, spray grass application, tree planting, and irrigation, ARMS ensured the project’s landscaping met durability and environmental sustainability standards.

“Our team was responsible for sub-grade preparation, topsoil placement, direct seeding, and jute mat installation to protect against erosion,” said Silas Thorley, General Manager of ARMS. “The unique challenge of this project was managing the steep gradients and the impact of the wet season, which led to higher erosion risks and rapid weed growth. Our experience in commercial landscaping and site maintenance allowed us to overcome these obstacles effectively.”

In the Northern Territory, managing steep gradients and wet season challenges requires a combination of erosion control, drainage management, and vegetation control strategies. Techniques such as jute matting, hydroseeding, and rock armoring help stabilise soil and prevent runoff, while stormwater diversion channels and vacuum excavation mitigate waterlogging during heavy rains.

To control rapid weed growth, pre-seeding with native grasses, mulching, and targeted herbicide application suppress invasive species and promote long-term stability.

The landscaping work through head contractor Sitzler covered various large batters, 4 major detention basins, the grass centre median, and garden beds on both the north and south ends of the overpass. ARMS also implemented permanent and temporary irrigation systems, ensuring long-term sustainability and ease of maintenance for the site.

This project is just one of many major infrastructure jobs ARMS has undertaken, with recent work including landscaping for the Northern Land Council Building in Berrimah, Kangaroo Flats Training Ground, and Tindal RAAF Base.

By combining expertise with a deep understanding of the Northern Territory’s unique environmental conditions, Aussie Rental Maintenance Services continues to deliver high-quality, sustainable landscaping solutions for major civil and commercial projects.

For more information contact Aussie Rental Maintenance Services, phone 0439 624 333, email arms.maintenance@outlook.com

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Enhancing Road Safety with Precision and Innovation

Arjays Sales & Service excelled in road safety solutions for Tiger Brennan Drive Overpass, showcasing expertise, adaptability, and precision.

Arjay’s Sales & Services Pty Ltd

Arjays Sales & Services Pty Ltd, a trusted leader in road infrastructure and construction solutions in the Northern Territory, brought their expertise to the forefront on the Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road Overpass project. Their innovative approach was pivotal in enhancing safety and functionality, successfully overcoming the unique challenges of the site.

For the project, Arjays supplied and installed vital road furniture, such as guide posts, road signage, tactile indicators, rumble strips, holding rails, including a combination of safety barriers from traditional w beam with transitions to thriebeam, high containment, motorcycle protection, quad guard elite, concrete connections approach and trailing terminals.

With safety on the project being paramount, Arjays facilitated in hiring variable message boards, speed check signs and temporary barriers to guide public road users through the open road sections whilst the project was under construction.

“Guardrail safety barrier supply and installation is one of our more specialised services, requiring precision and adaptability to meet the project’s evolving needs,” explained Corey Lambert, Managing Director of Arjays.

Construction staging and timelines evolved dynamically with multiple contractors on site and wet season weather impacts. Arjays turned these moments into opportunities to showcase their adaptability and experience by working weekends to maintain steady progress and to ensure the project stayed on course without significant delays.

“Working to moving timelines and changes in design required us to stay nimble. We adapted to changes quickly and reallocated resources as needed to ensure deadlines were met,” Corey said.

One notable aspect of Arjays’ role was managing the installation of large-scale signage for Sitzler, a recent addition to the company’s activities. “While we’ve handled smaller projects before, some of the signs on this job were massive. It was a learning curve, but it showcased our team’s ability to overcome challenges and deliver,” Corey added.

Arjays’ commitment to precision, problem-solving, and adaptability contributed to the success of the Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road Overpass project, ensuring the overpass is a safe, durable,
and functional piece of infrastructure for the Northern Territory.

For more information contact Arjays, website www.arjays.com.au

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