Bruce Highway widening works to start near Rockhampton
07 March 2017
Queensland Government: New pavement widening and safety
works between Bajool to Midgee, south of Rockhampton on the Bruce
Highway are set to roll out with
WHBO Infrastructure Pty Ltd awarded the
contract to begin works.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said
the $32 million project was one of four being undertaken as part of the
Caboolture to St Lawrence pavement widening package, which will improve
road safety at high-risk locations along the Bruce Highway.
“Today’s announcement couldn’t come at a better time as we continue
building a better, safer national road network, and drive down the trend
in fatalities on Australian roads,” Mr Chester said.
“More than 5,000 motorists drive the Bruce Highway between Rockhampton
and Gladstone each day and one of the simple but effective ways we are
making it safer is by widening the gap between centre lines in places
and putting more space between oncoming vehicles. “
Queensland Minister for Main Roads,
Road Safety and
Ports Mark Bailey
said the Bruce Highway was the economic backbone for many Queensland
communities.
“The Bruce Highway works south of Rockhampton will improve safety and
traffic flow for all drivers and most importantly, will cater for the
continued growth of Bruce Highway traffic into the future. I am looking
forward to seeing the completion of this project by mid 2018, weather
permitting, as we work toward improving the state’s economy and reducing
fatalities on our roads,” Mr Bailey said.
Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said the investment would rebuild
rough, potholed or corrugated sections of highway and upgrade
intersections to separate turning vehicles from highway traffic.
“It’s great to see the next milestone being delivered on this important
project for local residents, who are well aware of the dangers of this
section of road. We’ve listened to their concerns and are acting to
improve the driving experience along this busy section of the National
Highway,” Mr O’Dowd said.
“I look forward to seeing the project completed and am sure motorists
will be patient while the roadworks are in operation.”
State Member for Mirani Jim Pearce said in the past, turning traffic
would sit stationary on the highway before turning into the side road,
causing serious safety issues and putting lives at risk.
“Turning vehicles will soon have their own lane while highway traffic
can safely continue along uninterrupted. This is a high-speed,
high-volume section of road, and what we want to do is minimise the
chance of an accident or fatality,” Mr Pearce said.
In addition to the $32 million safety upgrades between Bajool and
Midgee, three other pavement widening and safety projects in the
Rockhampton region have started will start shortly. Works are expected
to be completed over the next 12 months and include:
-
$2.8 million for safety and intersection upgrades at South Ulam Road (Bajool) and Gentle Annie Road (Raglan)
-
$6.7 million for widening, reconstruction and intersection upgrades from Miriam Vale to Bororen, and
-
$5.2 million for safety works and an intersection upgrade at Atkinson Road, Raspberry Creek Road and Kooltrandra Road north of Rockhampton
The pavement widening and safety works are funded by the Australian and
Queensland Governments based on an 80:20 funding share. For further
information regarding the project visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au.
--ENDS--
Source: Queensland Government - www.statements.qld.gov.au
Contact: N/A
External Links: Minister Bailey's office - 0428 079 640
Recent news by: Queensland Government