Stuart Highway: Difference between revisions
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imported>MrCrazyMan02 Removed 'the' from freeway/highway names, updated some links, fixed grammar |
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| caption = The highway in the far north of South Australia | | caption = The highway in the far north of South Australia | ||
| location = StuartHighway.png | | location = StuartHighway.png | ||
| loc_caption = Map of mainland Australia with | | loc_caption = Map of mainland Australia with Stuart Highway highlighted in red | ||
| est = | | est = | ||
| length = 2720 | | length = 2720 | ||
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Stuart Highway runs from [[Darwin, Northern Territory]], in the north, via [[Tennant Creek]] and [[Alice Springs]], to [[Port Augusta]], [[South Australia]], in the south – a distance of {{cvt|2720|km|mi|0}}. | Stuart Highway runs from [[Darwin, Northern Territory]], in the north, via [[Tennant Creek]] and [[Alice Springs]], to [[Port Augusta]], [[South Australia]], in the south – a distance of {{cvt|2720|km|mi|0}}. | ||
The [[ | The [[Royal Flying Doctor Service]] uses the highway as an emergency landing strip and sections of the highway are signed to that effect. These sections of highway have been specially selected and prepared for the landing of aircraft which only takes place after the piece of road has been closed by the police.{{Citation needed|date=February 2018}} | ||
There are petrol and other facilities (meals, toilets, etc.) available at reasonable intervals (usually around {{cvt|200|km|mi|-1}}) and more frequent rest stops. Some of the rest stops are located at scenic points with information boards, but others are little more than a picnic table and a rubbish bin in an otherwise deserted area. | There are petrol and other facilities (meals, toilets, etc.) available at reasonable intervals (usually around {{cvt|200|km|mi|-1}}) and more frequent rest stops. Some of the rest stops are located at scenic points with information boards, but others are little more than a picnic table and a rubbish bin in an otherwise deserted area. | ||
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===Northern Territory=== | ===Northern Territory=== | ||
[[File:Vanderlin Drive Darwin.jpg|thumb|left|Stuart Highway intersection in [[Berrimah, Northern Territory]]]] | [[File:Vanderlin Drive Darwin.jpg|thumb|left|Stuart Highway intersection in [[Berrimah, Northern Territory]]]] | ||
The Northern Territory section of | The Northern Territory section of Stuart Highway starts from the edge of the [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] central business district at Daly Street and continues as a dual-carriageway to [[Arnhem Highway]] in [[Howard Springs, Northern Territory|Howard Springs]]. From there the highway runs {{cvt|317|km|mi|0}} south, passing [[Kakadu Highway]] and reaching [[Victoria Highway]] at [[Katherine, Northern Territory|Katherine]]. | ||
At [[Daly Waters, Northern Territory|Daly Waters]], the route number changes from A1 to A87. The highway then continues {{cvt|673|km|mi|0}} south passing | At [[Daly Waters, Northern Territory|Daly Waters]], the route number changes from A1 to A87. The highway then continues {{cvt|673|km|mi|0}} south, passing [[Roper Highway]], [[Carpentaria Highway]] and [[Buchanan Highway]] before reaching [[Barkly Highway]] at [[Tennant Creek]]. From there it runs a further {{cvt|508|km|mi|0}} south into [[Alice Springs]], passing [[Plenty Highway]]. It passes through the [[MacDonnell Ranges]] and finally crosses the [[Northern Territory]]/[[South Australia]] border south of [[Kulgera, Northern Territory|Kulgera]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/nt/stuart.html |title=Stuart Highway |access-date=11 April 2008 |publisher=Australian Towns, Cities and Highways |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829032857/http://www.hotkey.net.au/~krool/photos/nt/stuart.html |archive-date=29 August 2008}}</ref> | ||
The highway was only fully sealed in February 1987 as part of the [[Australian Bicentenary]] roadworks programme.<ref>Black all the way from Adelaide through to Darwin ''[[Truck & Bus Transportation]]'' April 1986 page 8</ref> There are no police patrolling the majority of this remote highway and until the end of 2006 there was no speed limit outside towns and other built-up areas on the Northern Territory part.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.nt.gov.au/ocm/media_releases/2004/20041119_cb_speedometer.shtml |title=Minister Opposes Speedometer Limits |date=19 November 2004 |access-date=11 June 2006 |publisher=[[Government of the Northern Territory]] |author=Chris Burns |author-link=Chris Burns (politician) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050721092913/http://www.nt.gov.au/ocm/media_releases/2004/20041119_cb_speedometer.shtml |archive-date=21 July 2005}}</ref> The unrestricted limit has now been generally set at {{convert|130|kph|mph|sigfig=1}}. The bulk of the Northern Territory's population not living in Darwin lies along its track. | The highway was only fully sealed in February 1987 as part of the [[Australian Bicentenary]] roadworks programme.<ref>Black all the way from Adelaide through to Darwin ''[[Truck & Bus Transportation]]'' April 1986 page 8</ref> There are no police patrolling the majority of this remote highway and until the end of 2006 there was no speed limit outside towns and other built-up areas on the Northern Territory part.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.nt.gov.au/ocm/media_releases/2004/20041119_cb_speedometer.shtml |title=Minister Opposes Speedometer Limits |date=19 November 2004 |access-date=11 June 2006 |publisher=[[Government of the Northern Territory]] |author=Chris Burns |author-link=Chris Burns (politician) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050721092913/http://www.nt.gov.au/ocm/media_releases/2004/20041119_cb_speedometer.shtml |archive-date=21 July 2005}}</ref> The unrestricted limit has now been generally set at {{convert|130|kph|mph|sigfig=1}}. The bulk of the Northern Territory's population not living in Darwin lies along its track. | ||
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===South Australia=== | ===South Australia=== | ||
[[File:Highway sign, Port Augusta West, 2017 (02).jpg|thumb|left|Sign near the southern end of the highway at [[Port Augusta West]]]] | [[File:Highway sign, Port Augusta West, 2017 (02).jpg|thumb|left|Sign near the southern end of the highway at [[Port Augusta West]]]] | ||
Stuart Highway passes through the [[Far North | Stuart Highway passes through the [[Far North (South Australia)|Far North]] region to [[Port Augusta]]. The highway passes through the [[RAAF Woomera Range Complex|Woomera Prohibited Area]] where travellers may not leave the road. The highway continues south-east towards Adelaide. | ||
{{clear left}} | {{clear left}} | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===Background=== | ===Background=== | ||
[[John McDouall Stuart]] led the first successful expedition to traverse the Australian mainland from south to north and return, through the centre of the continent, in 1861–1862. In | [[John McDouall Stuart]] led the first successful expedition to traverse the Australian mainland from south to north and return, through the centre of the continent, in 1861–1862. In 1871–1872 the [[Australian Overland Telegraph Line]] was constructed along Stuart's route. The principal road from [[Port Augusta]] to [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] was also established on a similar route. | ||
A track developed along the route of the telegraph,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49592359 |title=Up North: Highway of the Past and Future |last=Brownrigg |first=Blake |date=25 August 1950 |location=New South Wales, Australia |page=4 |via=[[NLA Trove|Trove]] (National Library of Australia) |newspaper=[[Barrier Miner]] |access-date=29 March 2017}}</ref> and by 1888 the road between Adelaide and Alice Springs was well known.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207754489 |title=Minerals in the Macdonnell Ranges |date=5 October 1888 |location=South Australia |edition=Second |page=4 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia) |newspaper=[[The Express and Telegraph]] |access-date=29 March 2017}}</ref> Several wells along the route provided water, although these could run dry or be contaminated by dead animals, resulting in sections as long as {{Convert|144|mi}} without water.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4225815 |title=Correspondence |date=7 April 1899 |location=Northern Territory, Australia |page=3 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia) |newspaper=[[Northern Territory Times and Gazette]] |access-date=29 March 2017}}</ref> | A track developed along the route of the telegraph,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49592359 |title=Up North: Highway of the Past and Future |last=Brownrigg |first=Blake |date=25 August 1950 |location=New South Wales, Australia |page=4 |via=[[NLA Trove|Trove]] (National Library of Australia) |newspaper=[[Barrier Miner]] |access-date=29 March 2017}}</ref> and by 1888 the road between Adelaide and Alice Springs was well known.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207754489 |title=Minerals in the Macdonnell Ranges |date=5 October 1888 |location=South Australia |edition=Second |page=4 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia) |newspaper=[[The Express and Telegraph]] |access-date=29 March 2017}}</ref> Several wells along the route provided water, although these could run dry or be contaminated by dead animals, resulting in sections as long as {{Convert|144|mi}} without water.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4225815 |title=Correspondence |date=7 April 1899 |location=Northern Territory, Australia |page=3 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia) |newspaper=[[Northern Territory Times and Gazette]] |access-date=29 March 2017}}</ref> | ||
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with surveying completed in August 1940. The task of constructing the highway was split between the Main Roads Departments<ref name="Engineers Show The World" /> of three states, to ensure completion before the next wet season. New South Wales would construct the northern section of {{convert|91|mi|0}}, Queensland the central section of {{convert|90|mi|0}}, and South Australia the southern section of {{convert|131|mi|0}}.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49468034 |title=New All Weather Highway |newspaper=[[Northern Standard]] |location=Northern Territory, Australia |date=20 August 1940 |access-date=7 April 2017 |page=5 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article184539592 |title=Queensland Section of Inland Road Well Up to Schedule |newspaper=[[Telegraph (Brisbane)|The Telegraph]] |location=Queensland, Australia |date=1 November 1940 |access-date=10 April 2017 |page=3 |edition=City Final |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref> | with surveying completed in August 1940. The task of constructing the highway was split between the Main Roads Departments<ref name="Engineers Show The World" /> of three states, to ensure completion before the next wet season. New South Wales would construct the northern section of {{convert|91|mi|0}}, Queensland the central section of {{convert|90|mi|0}}, and South Australia the southern section of {{convert|131|mi|0}}.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49468034 |title=New All Weather Highway |newspaper=[[Northern Standard]] |location=Northern Territory, Australia |date=20 August 1940 |access-date=7 April 2017 |page=5 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article184539592 |title=Queensland Section of Inland Road Well Up to Schedule |newspaper=[[Telegraph (Brisbane)|The Telegraph]] |location=Queensland, Australia |date=1 November 1940 |access-date=10 April 2017 |page=3 |edition=City Final |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref> | ||
The Alice Springs–Birdum road was completed by December 1940,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49471430 |title=Answer to Correspondent |newspaper=[[Northern Standard]] |location=Northern Territory, Australia |date=3 January 1941 |access-date=10 April 2017 |page=10 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref> | The Alice Springs–Birdum road was completed by December 1940,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49471430 |title=Answer to Correspondent |newspaper=[[Northern Standard]] |location=Northern Territory, Australia |date=3 January 1941 |access-date=10 April 2017 |page=10 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref> upgraded from an often impassable track to an all-weather sealed highway that could cope with heavy military traffic.<ref name="history of road and rail" /><ref name="year book 1974" /> The {{convert|306|mi|adj=on}} highway was built in under 90 days. In one week, {{convert|11|mi}} was constructed, which was claimed to be a world record.<ref name="Engineers Show The World">{{cite news |title=Engineers Show The World |date=15 February 1941 |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |page=9 |access-date=10 April 2017 |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17730828 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref> The new highway, in conjunction with the railways at either end, reduced the impact of Darwin's isolation. Quick and efficient movement of military equipment and troop was possible, with the road remaining open throughout the wet season.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article142429150 |title=Australia's "Great North Road": New Highway Has Romance and Strategic Importance |newspaper=[[The Australasian]] |location=Victoria, Australia |date=10 May 1941 |access-date=2 June 2017 |page=12 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref> | ||
By March 1941, military authorities advocated extending the Alice Springs–Birdum road to Darwin. During the wet season, the road north of Birdum was impassable, which meant that a single railway line was the only connection through to Darwin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140437736 |title=Link All States |newspaper=[[Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate]] |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=12 March 1941 |access-date=2 June 2017 |page=5 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref> Construction was underway by October 1941, once again at a fast pace in an attempt to finish before the next wet season.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8209875 |title=New Roads are Spanning a Continent |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)|The Argus]] |location=Victoria, Australia |date=11 October 1941 |access-date=1 September 2017 |page=1 |department=Week-end Magazine |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref> The road was nearing completion in July 1942,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47340926 |title=North–South Road |newspaper=[[The West Australian]] |location=Western Australia |date=23 July 1942 |access-date=1 September 2017 |page=3 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref> although some sections were yet to be bitumenised.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11987346 |title=The Mne and the Road |newspaper=The Argus |location=Victoria, Australia |date=25 July 1942 |access-date=1 September 2017 |page=1 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article76109972 |title=Alice Springs, Darwin Road |newspaper=[[The Central Queensland Herald]] |location=Queensland, Australia |date=3 September 1942 |access-date=1 September 2017 |page=17 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref> | By March 1941, military authorities advocated extending the Alice Springs–Birdum road to Darwin. During the wet season, the road north of Birdum was impassable, which meant that a single railway line was the only connection through to Darwin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140437736 |title=Link All States |newspaper=[[Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate]] |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=12 March 1941 |access-date=2 June 2017 |page=5 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref> Construction was underway by October 1941, once again at a fast pace in an attempt to finish before the next wet season.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8209875 |title=New Roads are Spanning a Continent |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)|The Argus]] |location=Victoria, Australia |date=11 October 1941 |access-date=1 September 2017 |page=1 |department=Week-end Magazine |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref> The road was nearing completion in July 1942,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47340926 |title=North–South Road |newspaper=[[The West Australian]] |location=Western Australia |date=23 July 1942 |access-date=1 September 2017 |page=3 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref> although some sections were yet to be bitumenised.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11987346 |title=The Mne and the Road |newspaper=The Argus |location=Victoria, Australia |date=25 July 1942 |access-date=1 September 2017 |page=1 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article76109972 |title=Alice Springs, Darwin Road |newspaper=[[The Central Queensland Herald]] |location=Queensland, Australia |date=3 September 1942 |access-date=1 September 2017 |page=17 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref> | ||
===Speed limits=== | ===Speed limits=== | ||
Before 1 January 2007 there was no absolute speed limit in the Northern Territory, but maximum speed limits are now posted along the length of Stuart Highway. Previously drivers were required only to travel at a safe speed for the conditions, meaning the Northern Territory section of Stuart Highway had no speed limits at all.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.dpi.nt.gov.au/whatwedo/mvr/roaduserhandbook/section3.pdf |title=Road Users' Handbook |isbn=0-7245-4869-6 |page=59 |chapter=Section 3 The Driving Rules |year=2006 |publisher=Northern Territory Government, Department of Planning and Infrastructure |access-date=11 June 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060519231052/http://www.dpi.nt.gov.au/whatwedo/mvr/roaduserhandbook/section3.pdf |archive-date=19 May 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Northern Territory traffic laws were updated from 1 January 2007 to be similar to the rest of Australia. This included placing a speed limit on all roads ({{cvt|130|km/h|mph|0|disp=or}} on major highways such as Stuart Highway) and significantly increasing penalties for speeding.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2006/s1780096.htm |title=Speed limits to be introduced on NT open roads |access-date=5 January 2007 |date=2 November 2006 |work=[[7:30 Report]] |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] |archive-date=17 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417144440/http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2006/s1780096.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200701/s1820468.htm |title=Motorists caught breaking new speed limit |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] |access-date=5 January 2007 |date=2 January 2007 |archive-date=9 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070109173008/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200701/s1820468.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
The South Australian section is signposted as {{cvt|110|km/h|mph}} outside built-up regions, between Port Augusta and the Northern Territory border. | The South Australian section is signposted as {{cvt|110|km/h|mph}} outside built-up regions, between Port Augusta and the Northern Territory border. | ||
In October 2013 the | In October 2013 the Northern Territory Government announced a trial period of reverting to an open speed limit on the {{cvt|200|km|mi}} stretch between Alice Springs and Barrow Creek, beginning 1 February 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/open-speed-limit-on-trial-and-under-fire/story-e6frgczx-1226740568229 |title=Open speed limit on trial and under fire |publisher=[[The Australian]] |access-date=13 December 2013 |date=16 October 2013 |archive-date=8 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140608005422/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/open-speed-limit-on-trial-and-under-fire/story-e6frgczx-1226740568229 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-17/nt-docs-decry-speed-limit-trial-on-stuart-highway/5204898 |title=Peak medical bodies unite to condemn Northern Territory trial of unlimited road speeds |publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |access-date=27 January 2014 |date=17 January 2014 |archive-date=31 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131124849/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-17/nt-docs-decry-speed-limit-trial-on-stuart-highway/5204898 |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2015, following the conclusion of the trial, a {{cvt|276|km|mi}} stretch of the highway had its speed limits derestricted.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/nt-speed-limits-permanently-derestricted-20150903-gje7jc.html |title=NT speed limits permanently derestricted |last=Charlwood |first=Sam |date=3 September 2015 |work=Drive |publisher=Fairfax Media |access-date=18 January 2016 |location=Sydney |archive-date=24 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324230602/http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/nt-speed-limits-permanently-derestricted-20150903-gje7jc.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, speed limits were restored to this stretch in November 2016; the highest is {{cvt|130|km/h|mph}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://motorbikewriter.com/nt-restricts-speed-despite-evidence |title=NT restricts speed despite evidence |last=Hinchliffe |first=Mark |date=3 November 2016 |publisher=Motorbike Rider |access-date=4 December 2016 |location=Australia |archive-date=14 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114041531/http://motorbikewriter.com/nt-restricts-speed-despite-evidence/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
In March 2021, the road was closed due to a serious accident 500 km north of Adelaide at Wirraminna where the road collapsed due to burning diesel fuel that melted the road's plastic culverts. Plastic culverts had been used in place of concrete as they were seen as the best material for this particular location as the flood plain of the river is acidic and can destroy concrete culverts. | In March 2021, the road was closed due to a serious accident 500 km north of Adelaide at Wirraminna where the road collapsed due to burning diesel fuel that melted the road's plastic culverts. Plastic culverts had been used in place of concrete as they were seen as the best material for this particular location as the flood plain of the river is acidic and can destroy concrete culverts. | ||
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Motor races have been proposed or undertaken on the highway since the 1950s.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63097244 |title=Stuart Highway Race Challenge |newspaper=[[Townsville Daily Bulletin]] |location=Queensland, Australia |date=12 August 1950 |access-date=2 June 2017 |page=3 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article217271044 |title=2,000-Mile Race? |newspaper=[[Brisbane Telegraph]] |location=Queensland, Australia |date=22 November 1950 |access-date=2 June 2017 |page=8 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52825026 |title=Fined For Record Attempt |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 August 1951 |access-date=2 June 2017 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> | Motor races have been proposed or undertaken on the highway since the 1950s.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63097244 |title=Stuart Highway Race Challenge |newspaper=[[Townsville Daily Bulletin]] |location=Queensland, Australia |date=12 August 1950 |access-date=2 June 2017 |page=3 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article217271044 |title=2,000-Mile Race? |newspaper=[[Brisbane Telegraph]] |location=Queensland, Australia |date=22 November 1950 |access-date=2 June 2017 |page=8 |via=Trove (National Library of Australia)}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52825026 |title=Fined For Record Attempt |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 August 1951 |access-date=2 June 2017 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> | ||
In 1994 the first and only [[Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash|Cannonball Run]] in Australia ran from Darwin to [[Yulara, Northern Territory|Yulara]] and back again. Based on [[Open | In 1994 the first and only [[Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash|Cannonball Run]] in Australia ran from Darwin to [[Yulara, Northern Territory|Yulara]] and back again. Based on [[Open-road racing|similar events]] in the United States, this event ended in tragedy when an out-of-control [[Ferrari F40]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.motorsportmemorial.org/focus.php?db=ct&n=3380 |title=Motorsport Memorial - |access-date=9 October 2009 |archive-date=19 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019102438/http://motorsportmemorial.org/focus.php?db=ct&n=3380 |url-status=live }}</ref> crashed into a checkpoint south of Alice Springs, resulting in the death of the two event officials manning the checkpoint as well as the two competitors.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cass |first=Rebecca |year=2001 |url=http://www.nt.gov.au/pfes/corporate/media/publications/pdf/drum/200112.pdf |title=Cop swaps crooks for corks (page 17) |work=The Drum, 2001: Farewells |publisher=Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services |access-date=12 June 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060907092111/http://www.nt.gov.au/pfes/corporate/media/publications/pdf/drum/200112.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=7 September 2006}}</ref> The remainder of the race had a {{cvt|180|km/h|mph|0}} speed limit imposed to prevent further accidents. | ||
Stuart Highway is the highway taken in the [[World Solar Challenge]]. The {{convert|3000|km}} race starts in Darwin, follows Stuart Highway to Port Augusta, and then [[Highway 1 (South Australia)|Highway 1]] through to Adelaide.<ref>{{cite web |title=Route Map |url=http://www.worldsolarchallenge.org/event-information/route_map |website=World Solar Challenge |access-date=2 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602080422/http://www.worldsolarchallenge.org/event-information/route_map |archive-date=2 June 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> | Stuart Highway is the highway taken in the [[World Solar Challenge]]. The {{convert|3000|km}} race starts in Darwin, follows Stuart Highway to Port Augusta, and then [[Highway 1 (South Australia)|Highway 1]] through to Adelaide.<ref>{{cite web |title=Route Map |url=http://www.worldsolarchallenge.org/event-information/route_map |website=World Solar Challenge |access-date=2 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602080422/http://www.worldsolarchallenge.org/event-information/route_map |archive-date=2 June 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Latest revision as of 04:33, 11 September 2025
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Stuart Highway is a major Australian highway. It runs from Darwin, in the Northern Territory, via Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, to Port Augusta in South Australia; it has a distance of Template:Cvt. Its northern and southern extremities are segments of Australia's Highway 1. The principal north–south route through the central interior of mainland Australia, the highway is often referred to simply as "The Track".
The highway is named after Scottish explorer John McDouall Stuart, who was the first European to cross Australia from south to north.[1] The highway approximates the route Stuart took.
Route description
Overview
Stuart Highway runs from Darwin, Northern Territory, in the north, via Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, to Port Augusta, South Australia, in the south – a distance of Template:Cvt.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service uses the highway as an emergency landing strip and sections of the highway are signed to that effect. These sections of highway have been specially selected and prepared for the landing of aircraft which only takes place after the piece of road has been closed by the police.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
There are petrol and other facilities (meals, toilets, etc.) available at reasonable intervals (usually around Template:Cvt) and more frequent rest stops. Some of the rest stops are located at scenic points with information boards, but others are little more than a picnic table and a rubbish bin in an otherwise deserted area.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory section of Stuart Highway starts from the edge of the Darwin central business district at Daly Street and continues as a dual-carriageway to Arnhem Highway in Howard Springs. From there the highway runs Template:Cvt south, passing Kakadu Highway and reaching Victoria Highway at Katherine.
At Daly Waters, the route number changes from A1 to A87. The highway then continues Template:Cvt south, passing Roper Highway, Carpentaria Highway and Buchanan Highway before reaching Barkly Highway at Tennant Creek. From there it runs a further Template:Cvt south into Alice Springs, passing Plenty Highway. It passes through the MacDonnell Ranges and finally crosses the Northern Territory/South Australia border south of Kulgera.[2]
The highway was only fully sealed in February 1987 as part of the Australian Bicentenary roadworks programme.[3] There are no police patrolling the majority of this remote highway and until the end of 2006 there was no speed limit outside towns and other built-up areas on the Northern Territory part.[4] The unrestricted limit has now been generally set at Script error: No such module "convert".. The bulk of the Northern Territory's population not living in Darwin lies along its track.
South Australia
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Stuart Highway passes through the Far North region to Port Augusta. The highway passes through the Woomera Prohibited Area where travellers may not leave the road. The highway continues south-east towards Adelaide.
History
Background
John McDouall Stuart led the first successful expedition to traverse the Australian mainland from south to north and return, through the centre of the continent, in 1861–1862. In 1871–1872 the Australian Overland Telegraph Line was constructed along Stuart's route. The principal road from Port Augusta to Darwin was also established on a similar route.
A track developed along the route of the telegraph,[5] and by 1888 the road between Adelaide and Alice Springs was well known.[6] Several wells along the route provided water, although these could run dry or be contaminated by dead animals, resulting in sections as long as Script error: No such module "convert". without water.[7]
The route was traversed by motor vehicles in the 1920s. While passable, sections of the road could be sandy, boggy, washed away in the winter, or rugged with boulders. Several creek crossings were required, though few were difficult.[8][9] North of Alice Springs the road was in comparatively good condition, with sections allowing speeds of up to Script error: No such module "convert"..[10]
Highway planning and construction
With the onset of World War II, supply roads leading to the north of the country were considered vital by the federal government.[11][12] A central north–south highway was planned to connect the railheads at Alice Springs and Birdum,[13] with surveying completed in August 1940. The task of constructing the highway was split between the Main Roads Departments[14] of three states, to ensure completion before the next wet season. New South Wales would construct the northern section of Script error: No such module "convert"., Queensland the central section of Script error: No such module "convert"., and South Australia the southern section of Script error: No such module "convert"..[15][16]
The Alice Springs–Birdum road was completed by December 1940,[17] upgraded from an often impassable track to an all-weather sealed highway that could cope with heavy military traffic.[11][12] The Script error: No such module "convert". highway was built in under 90 days. In one week, Script error: No such module "convert". was constructed, which was claimed to be a world record.[14] The new highway, in conjunction with the railways at either end, reduced the impact of Darwin's isolation. Quick and efficient movement of military equipment and troop was possible, with the road remaining open throughout the wet season.[18]
By March 1941, military authorities advocated extending the Alice Springs–Birdum road to Darwin. During the wet season, the road north of Birdum was impassable, which meant that a single railway line was the only connection through to Darwin.[19] Construction was underway by October 1941, once again at a fast pace in an attempt to finish before the next wet season.[20] The road was nearing completion in July 1942,[21] although some sections were yet to be bitumenised.[22][23]
Speed limits
Before 1 January 2007 there was no absolute speed limit in the Northern Territory, but maximum speed limits are now posted along the length of Stuart Highway. Previously drivers were required only to travel at a safe speed for the conditions, meaning the Northern Territory section of Stuart Highway had no speed limits at all.[24] The Northern Territory traffic laws were updated from 1 January 2007 to be similar to the rest of Australia. This included placing a speed limit on all roads (Template:Cvt on major highways such as Stuart Highway) and significantly increasing penalties for speeding.[25][26]
The South Australian section is signposted as Template:Cvt outside built-up regions, between Port Augusta and the Northern Territory border.
In October 2013 the Northern Territory Government announced a trial period of reverting to an open speed limit on the Template:Cvt stretch between Alice Springs and Barrow Creek, beginning 1 February 2014.[27][28] In September 2015, following the conclusion of the trial, a Template:Cvt stretch of the highway had its speed limits derestricted.[29] However, speed limits were restored to this stretch in November 2016; the highest is Template:Cvt.[30]
In March 2021, the road was closed due to a serious accident 500 km north of Adelaide at Wirraminna where the road collapsed due to burning diesel fuel that melted the road's plastic culverts. Plastic culverts had been used in place of concrete as they were seen as the best material for this particular location as the flood plain of the river is acidic and can destroy concrete culverts.
The road was closed while repair works took place. The asphalt also had to be given time to cure and the section of road underwent testing with a road train. With this now complete, both lanes are reopened with speed restrictions in place. Traffic signage is now in place and road users are asked to take extra care while travelling through this section of road.[31]
Junctions
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Motor racing
Motor races have been proposed or undertaken on the highway since the 1950s.[32][33][34]
In 1994 the first and only Cannonball Run in Australia ran from Darwin to Yulara and back again. Based on similar events in the United States, this event ended in tragedy when an out-of-control Ferrari F40[35] crashed into a checkpoint south of Alice Springs, resulting in the death of the two event officials manning the checkpoint as well as the two competitors.[36] The remainder of the race had a Template:Cvt speed limit imposed to prevent further accidents.
Stuart Highway is the highway taken in the World Solar Challenge. The Script error: No such module "convert". race starts in Darwin, follows Stuart Highway to Port Augusta, and then Highway 1 through to Adelaide.[37]
Engineering heritage award
Stuart Highway North received a Historic Engineering Marker from Engineers Australia as part of its Engineering Heritage Recognition Program.[38]
See also
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- Highways in Australia
- List of highways in the Northern Territory
- List of highways in South Australia
References
Citations
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- ↑ Exploring the Stuart Highway: further than the eye can see, 1997, p. 6
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- ↑ Black all the way from Adelaide through to Darwin Truck & Bus Transportation April 1986 page 8
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Bibliography
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- Exploring the Stuart Highway: further than the eye can see. West Beach, South Australia: Tourist Information Distributors Australia, 1997. ISSN 1326-6039
Further reading
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- Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".Template:Webarchive
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External links
- Template:Sister-inline
- Template:Wikivoyage-inline
- Driving Guide by Roderick Eime
- Explorers Way Drive from Adelaide to Darwin
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Categories:
- Pages with script errors
- Pages with broken file links
- Lists of coordinates
- Geographic coordinate lists
- Articles with Geo
- Highways in Australia
- Streets in Darwin, Northern Territory
- Highways in the Northern Territory
- Highways in South Australia
- Transport in Alice Springs
- Highway 1 (Australia)
- Far North (South Australia)
- Recipients of Engineers Australia engineering heritage markers