The Queensland Government has announced a $1.2 billion safety upgrade to roads in the Mackay and the Whitsundays region.
According to Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Minister, Mark Bailey, the Queensland Transport and Road Infrastructure Program (QTRIP) will improve safety in the Mackay and the Whitsundays region, and also boost the local economy.
“These works will sustain 986 direct jobs throughout the delivery of the four-year program, which is great news for the Mackay region,” Bailey said.
“It also includes the design and construction of the $560 million Mackay Ring Road Stage 1, which in itself will support 603 jobs over the life of the project.
“Funding will also be allocated to several overtaking lanes on the Bruce Highway to improve the safety and efficiency of the national highway.”
Member for Mirani, Jim Pearce, said the funding will also go towards bridge replacements on the Peak Downs Highway with work expected to begin in September, weather permitting.
“The timber bridge replacements on the Peak Downs Highway will receive $68.2 million over the next four years to help improve the efficiency and resilience of this major freight route,” he said.
The QTRIP delivered in partnership with the Australian Government will also include $10.6 million to upgrade the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Sarina Coast Road; $4.5 million to complete the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Hay Point Road; $553.9 million for Stage 1 of the Mackay Ring Road; $78.4 million for the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade on the Bruce Highway; $51.7 million to upgrade Sandy Gully Bridge and approaches on the Bruce Highway north of Bowen; and $165 million to continue safety works on the Peak Downs Highway at Eton Range.
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