How long will it take for the top end to dry out

How long is a piece of String :-)

Each year is different, just keep a look out on the Council Web Sites for Road Information

Carpentaria Shire

Burke Shire Council

Regards Tony

As far as I can see it is a fairly normal wet season. You could hope to see it dry out mid April early May.

I agree, it's a pretty average looking wet season up there. Usually dries out April/May as has already been said. You can still get very wet weather in May sometimes, 2013 being a case in point.
Yes, the cost of building/rebuilding roads in that part of the world is very high. Part of the reason it is still a Territory as I doubt that the population is big enough to pay to maintain those long long roads so it needs lots of support from the Commonwealth.

Hi Allein m,
It's been a late start to the wet in the Gulf and even then only one big amount has fallen. The cyclones have pulled the rain away from here at Lorella Springs but still get a shower now and again. The wet in 10/11 was the worst in 30years and then have had 2 dry wets in 11/12 and 12/13. We still plan to open 1st April, but I call it the adventure month where you don't know what is going to happen. Still locked in at the moment so the road should be in good shape as no one uses it, or can use it.
Expect people to be here first week April, again that's only if the rain has stopped and the creeks are down.
Cheers Andy

G'DAY Allein,
Nah, pretty average wet so far. Might seem bigger due to getting bugger all last wet.
Even in our wettest wet on record a couple of years ago, we where out and about by June.
A wet, wet season attracts me to the water falls that are pumping after good rains.

Regards,

Noel K.