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Stuart Highway (National Highway 87) - Alice Springs to Barrow Creek |
Statistics:
Route Numbering:
General Information:
The Stuart Highway is one of NT's most important routes, linking Darwin, Alice Springs and the populated areas of South Australia, including Adelaide.
Named for explorer John McDouall Stuart, the first European to cross Australia from South to North, and it generally follows his route. The Stuart Highway crosses the desert of Central Australia to savannah grasslands and tropical wetlands in the North. 1
History:
The Stuart Highway began as a dirt track servicing the construction of the Overland Telegraph in the 1870s and served to link the railheads until World War II. 1
Construction of the telegraph line had required the development of a track along the line’s route, to enable wagons and other vehicles to travel with loads of posts, wire, and other materials. An area of approximately two chains width (about 40 metres) was cleared on either side of the line and this became “the track” – the only transport route south. 2
For the whole length of “the track” there were frequent deviations. Detours were made to reach watering places and wet season detours were developed to avoid low and boggy ground. Tracks were continually deviated and altered by “self-help” travellers. There was no formal development or maintenance of the road, beyond the Two and a Half Mile (Parap) in Darwin, until the late 1920s. 2
From 1936 a low standard dry weather road was developed from Darwin to Adelaide River, roughly along the present route of the Stuart Highway. From Adelaide River a similar low standard road was developed southward to the railhead at Larrimah. However, construction and maintenance of these roads was given a very low priority because the same route was served by the North Australia Railway line. 2
When war loomed it became apparent that the railway could not meet all defence requirements. Planners saw a need for an all weather road to service dispersed military installations, particularly airfields, in the immediate Darwin hinterland. So, from May 1941, the Darwin Adelaide River section (115km) was upgraded to an all weather gravel road standard. The work was done by the New South Wales Department of Main Roads. 2
By early 1943 traffic between Darwin and Adelaide River had reached 2000 vehicles per day, mostly heavy lorries. The gravel surface disintegrated under this traffic and so it was decided to provide a bitumen seal – 6.2m wide to Adelaide River and 4.8m wide from there to Larrimah. 2
Similar work was done by interstate Main Roads teams on southern section of the Stuart Highway, with the result that by 1944 the highway was bitumen sealed, although some sections were very narrow. 2
| Alice Springs to Barrow Creek | Barrow Creek To Alice Springs | |||
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Old Hospital Sign: Old style hospital sign at Arumbera, south of Alice Springs town centre, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Ti Tree: Stuart Hwy (NH87) at the John McDouall Stuart memorial, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Brewer Road: Stuart Hwy (NH87) at Brewer Rd, Arumbera, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Services Sign: Distance and services sign at Ti Tree, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Arumbera approaching Hatt Rd, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Entering Ti Tree: Stuart Hwy (NH87) as it enters the town of Ti Tree, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Services Sign: Sign denoting distance to next town with services, Arumbera, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Ti Tree: Stuart Hwy (NH87) passing through the town of Ti Tree, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Speed & Red Light Camera Sign: Sign indicating the use of electronic equipment to enforce speed limits and adhersion to red traffic lights, Arumbera, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Reassurance Directional Sign: Distance sign at Ti Tree, November 2016. Note the missing route number. Image © Paul Rands |
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Old Ghan Railway Track: Stuart Hwy (NH87) at Arumbera as it crosses the Old Ghan Railway Track, November 2016. The current track has been is located southwest of this location by a few kilometres. Image © Paul Rands |
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Services Sign: Services sign at Ti Tree, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Arumbera approaching Roger Vale Dr, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Mt Denison Road: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Mt Denison Rd at Anmatjere, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Roger Vale Drive: Stuart Hwy (NH87) at Roger Vale Dr, Arumbera, November 2016. NH87 turns left at this location. Image © Paul Rands |
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Services Sign: Services sign at Anmatjere, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Reassurance Directional Sign: Distance sign at Arumbera, 2001. Image © Jamie Scuglia |
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Services Sign: Services sign at Anmatjere, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Norris Bell Drive: Stuart Hwy (NH87) at Norris Bell Dr, Arumbera, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Anmatjere approaching Aileron Roadhouse, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: AD sign approaching Ross Hwy (SR8) at Ilparpa, November 2016. Note the missing SR8 shield. Image © Paul Rands |
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Aileron Roadhouse: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Aileron Roadhouse at Anmatjere, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: AD sign approaching Ross Hwy (SR8) at Ilparpa, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Services Sign: Services sign at Anmatjere, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Ross Highway: Stuart Hwy (NH87) at Ross Hwy (SR8) at Ilparpa in Alice Springs. November 2016. Click here for a photo by Kate Pilling from August 2008. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: Southbound approaching the intersection with Plenty Hwy (SR12) at Burt Plain, north of Alice Springs. 2000. Image © Tourism NT |
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Reassurance Directional Sign: Distance sign at Ilparpa, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Intersection Directional Sign: ID sign placed before the Plenty Hwy (SR12) intersection at Burt Plain, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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The Gap: Stuart Hwy (NH87) as it passes through The Gap at Ilparpa, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Plenty Highway: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Plenty Hwy (SR12) at Burt Plain, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: Diagrammatic AD sign approaching the intersection with Gap Road, South Terrace, Bradshaw Drive and Telegraph Terrace (NH87) at Alice Springs. November 2016. |
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Reassurance Directional Sign: Distance sign at Burt Plain after Plenty Hwy (SR12), November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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ID Sign: Intersection directional sign on the roundabout with Gap Road, South Terrace, Bradshaw Drive and Telegraph Terrace (NH87) at Alice Springs. November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Burt Plain approaching The Garden, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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ID Sign: Intersection directional sign on the roundabout with Gap Road, South Terrace, Bradshaw Drive and Telegraph Terrace (NH87) at Alice Springs. November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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The Garden: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and The Garden at Burt Plain, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: Diagrammatic AD sign on Bradshaw Drive at Alice Springs, approaching the intersection with Gap Road, South Terrace and Telegraph Terrace (NH87). 2001. |
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Intersection Directional Sign: ID sign with incorrect route shield facing The Garden at Burt Plain, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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ID Sign: Intersection directional sign on the roundabout with Gap Road, South Terrace, Bradshaw Drive and Telegraph Terrace (NH87) at Alice Springs. November 2016, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Reassurance Directional Sign: Distance sign at Burt Plain after The Garden, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: AD sign assembly approaching Stuart Tce, the access road to Alice Springs Hospital, just south of the Larapinta Dr (SR6) and Stott Tce intersection. November 2016. Click here for a photo by Kate Pilling from August 2008. Image © Paul Rands |
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Tropic of Capricorn: Stuart Hwy (NH87) as it crosses the Tropic of Capricorn at Burt Plain, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: AD sign approaching the intersection with Larapinta Drive (SR6) and Stott Terrace in Alice Springs. November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Services Sign: Services sign after the Tropic of Capricorn at Burt Plain, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Intersection Directional Sign: ID sign near the Larapinta Dr turn lane at Alice Springs. November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Highest Point Between Adelaide & Darwin: Marker indicating the highest point (727.2 metres) between Adelaide and Darwin, Burt Plain, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Intersection Directional Sign: ID sign near the Larapinta Dr turn lane at Alice Springs. November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Highest Point Between Adelaide & Darwin: Plaque on the marker indicating the highest point (727.2 metres) between Adelaide and Darwin, Burt Plain, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Larapinta Drive: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Larapinta Dr (SR6) at Alice Springs, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Burt Plain approaching Tanami Rd (SR5), November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Parsons St: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Parsons St, Alice Springs, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Tanami Road: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Tanami Rd (SR5) at Burt Plain, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Schwarz Crescent: Junction with Schwarz Cr, Alice Springs, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Adelaide-Darwin Railway: Stuart Hwy (NH87) as it crosses the Adelaide-Darwin Railway via James Orr Overpass at Burt Plain, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Smith St: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Smith St, Alice Springs, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Charles River: Stuart Hwy (NH87) as it crosses Charles River via Geoff Moss Bridge at Irlpme, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Kekwick Avenue: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Kekwick Av, Braitling, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Charles River: Stuart Hwy (NH87) as it crosses Charles River via Geoff Moss Bridge at Irlpme, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Head Street: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Head St, Braitling, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Entering Alice Springs: Stuart Highway (NH87) as it enters the greater Alice Springs area at Irlpme, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Herbert Heritage Drive: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Herbert Heritage Dr at Braitling, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Dalgety Road: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Dalgety Rd at Stuart, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Dalgety Road: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Dalgety Rd at Braitling, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Herbert Heritage Drive: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Herbert Heritage Dr at Stuart, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Charles River: Stuart Hwy (NH87) as it crosses Charles River via Geoff Moss Bridge at Irlpme, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Head Street: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Head St, Stuart, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Charles River: Stuart Hwy (NH87) as it crosses Charles River via Geoff Moss Bridge at Irlpme, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Tietkens Av: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Tietkens Av at Stuart, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Adelaide-Darwin Railway: Stuart Hwy (NH87) as it crosses the Adelaide-Darwin Railway via James Orr Overpass at Burt Plain, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Schwarz Crescent: Approaching Schwarz Cr, Alice Springs, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: AD sign approaching Tanami Rd (SR5) near Alice Springs. November 2016. Click here for a photo by Kate Pilling from August 2008. Image © Paul Rands |
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Wills Terrace: Corner of Stuart Hwy and Wills Tce at Alice Springs, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Plenty Highway: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Plenty Hwy (SR12) at Burt Plain, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Intersection Directional Sign: ID sign facing Wills Tce at Alice Springs, November 2016. Click here for a photo of this location featuring a black sign by Jamie Scuglia from 2001. Image © Paul Rands |
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Reassurance Directional Sign: Distance sign at Burt Plain after Plenty Hwy (SR12), November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Parsons Street: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Parsons St at Alice Springs, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Tropic of Capricorn: Stuart Hwy (NH87) as it crosses the Tropic of Capricorn at Burt Plain, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Stott Terrace and Larapinta Drive: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87), Larapinta Dr (SR6) and Stott Tce, Alice Springs, November 2016. Note the missing SR6 shield. Image © Paul Rands |
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Tropic of Capricorn: Stuart Hwy (NH87) as it crosses the Tropic of Capricorn at Burt Plain, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Stott Terrace and Larapinta Drive: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87), Larapinta Dr (SR6) and Stott Tce, Alice Springs, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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The Garden: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and The Garden at Burt Plain, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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ID Sign: Intersection directional sign on the roundabout with Gap Road, South Terrace, Bradshaw Drive and Telegraph Terrace (NH87) at Alice Springs, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Distance Sign: RD sign as you leave the Alice Springs area. November 2016. Click here for a photo by Kate Pilling from August 2008. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: AD sign on South Tce at Alice Springs approaching Stuart Hwy (Telegraph Tce (NH87)), Gap Rd and Bradshaw Dr, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Burt Plain approaching Plenty Hwy (SR12). November 2016. Click here for a photo by Kate Pilling from August 2008. Image © Paul Rands |
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ID Sign: Intersection directional sign on the roundabout with Gap Road, South Terrace, Bradshaw Drive and Telegraph Terrace (NH87) at Alice Springs, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Intersection Directional Sign: ID sign placed before the Plenty Hwy (SR12) intersection at Burt Plain, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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The Gap: Stuart Hwy (NH87) as it passes through The Gap, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Plenty Hwy Junction: ID sign assembly at the Plenty Highway intersection at Burt Plain. November 2016. Click here for a photo by Kate Pilling from August 2008. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Ilparpa approaching Ross Hwy (SR8), November 2016. Note the lack of route shields Image © Paul Rands |
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Distance Sign: RD sign located at Burt Plain, after the Plenty Hwy intersection. November 2016. Click here for a photo by Kate Pilling from August 2008. Image © Paul Rands |
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Ross Highway: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Ross Hwy (SR8) at Ilparpa, November 2016. Note the lack of SR8 shield. Image © Paul Rands |
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Services Sign: Services sign at Anmatjere, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Reassurance Directional Sign: Distance sign at Ilparpa, November 2016. Note the lack of NH87 shield. Image © Paul Rands |
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Services Sign: Services sign at Anmatjere, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Ilparpa Road: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Ilparpa Rd at Ilparpa, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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AD Sign: Advance directional sign at Aileron. November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: Southbound approaching Roger Vale Dr at Connellan, November 2016. Click here for a photo of this location by Jamie Scuglia from 2001. Image © Paul Rands |
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Aileron Roadhouse: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Aileron Roadhouse at Anmatjere, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Intersection Directional Sign: ID sign on Roger Vale Dr at Connellan at the intersection with Stuart Hwy (NH87), 2001. Image © Jamie Scuglia |
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Services Sign: Services sign at Anmatjere, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Intersection Directional Sign: ID sign on Stuart Hwy (NH87) at Connellan at the intersection with Roger Vale Dr, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Caption Title: Caption, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Reassurance Directional Directional Sign: Distance sign after Roger Vale Dr at Connellan, 2001. Image © Jamie Scuglia |
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Services Sign: Distance and services sign at Ti Tree, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Old Ghan Railway Track: Stuart Hwy (NH87) at the former level crossing with the Old Ghan railway track at Connellan, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Entering Ti Tree: Stuart Hwy (NH87) as it enters the town of Ti Tree, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Services Sign: Services sign at Connellan, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Reassurance Directional Sign: Distance sign at Ti Tree, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Arumbera approaching Hatt Rd, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Services Sign: Services sign at Ti Tree, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Brewer Road: Corner of Stuart Hwy (NH87) and Brewer Rd at Arumbera, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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Ti Tree: Stuart Hwy (NH87) at the John McDouall Stuart memorial, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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John McDouall Stuart Memorial: The John McDouall Stuart memorial, November 2016. Image © Paul Rands |
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| Click here for the continuation of NH87 between South Australia border and Alice Springs Click here for the continuation of NH87 between Barrow Creek and Tennant Creek |
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1 NT Government Chief Minister's Office
Last updated: 26-Dec-2019 15:23
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