A 46 km stretch of the Port Keats Road in the Northern Territory's West Daly region is set to be upgraded under a $90 million joint government project aimed at improving wet season access to remote communities.

A tender has been released for works to seal and widen the road between Palumpa, west of Anopheles Creek, and Wadeye — about 400 km southwest of Darwin.

The Federal Government has committed $72 million to the project, with the Northern Territory Government contributing a further $18 million.

"Upgrading Port Keats Road will mean better access to essential services for Wadeye residents, who have long been calling for these works," said Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy.

Port Keats Road is a mainly unsealed 181-kilometre route connecting the Daly River Crossing with Wadeye, whilst also serving the West Daly communities of Peppimenarti and Nganmarriyanga.

It is regularly affected by flooding during the wet season, resulting in closures and weight restrictions that can severely disrupt access to the region. Closures can remain in place for almost a third of the year, while weight restrictions can apply for up to a year.

"Like many unsealed roads in the Northern Territory, Port Keats Road is significantly affected by wet weather conditions," said Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King.

"Releasing this tender is a critical step forward in delivering the infrastructure to improve access for the people who rely on this road."

Earlier this year, the Wadeye Women's Centre and the Thamarrurr Aboriginal Women's Council called for the road to be sealed, noting year-round access would improve health care, freight, food supply, essential services and the ability for families to return to Country.

The upgrade will include the construction of 11 causeways incorporating 13 major culverts, as well as drainage and protection works at 24 other locations.

NT Logistics and Infrastructure Minister Bill Yan said the works would reduce wet season disruptions and support regional businesses.

"We are pleased to be upgrading Port Keats Road to provide safer, more reliable access to Wadeye and communities along the route, helping people get to health care, education and work," he said.

Construction is expected to begin in May 2027, during the dry season, and continue until October 2030. No works are currently planned during the wet season.

The road is expected to remain accessible throughout construction, although motorists may face speed restrictions, lane closures and detours.