The contract for a $34.2 million project to duplicate Bill Fulton Bridge on Cairns Western Arterial Road in Queensland has been awarded.
The contract had been awarded to a joint venture between Albem Operations and Highway Construction.
Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Jackie Trad, said the bridge duplication will improve safety and traffic flow for 30,000 commuters, transport operators and tourists who use the route every day.
“The project is funded by the Palaszczuk Government’s $180 million Significant Regional Infrastructure Projects Program (SRIPP) and construction is on track to begin in November this year,” Ms Trad said.
Member for Barron River, Craig Crawford, said the project was expected to support 97 jobs during construction.
“The project will include 120m of new bridging, duplication of 700m of Cairns Western Arterial Road between Brinsmead Road and Redlynch Connection Road, and signalisation of the Brinsmead Road intersection,” Mr Crawford said.
“This will considerably improve safety and traffic flow by removing a notorious ‘pinch-point’ on one of Cairns’ key arterial roads.”
Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Mark Bailey, said Albem has delivered projects in Cairns in the past and has a great track record of engaging local suppliers and subcontractors.
“As a joint venture with Highway Construction, these companies have once again shown a positive commitment to generating more work for locals,” Mr Bailey said.
Construction is expected to begin in November 2016.
