Transport infrastructure along the north Queensland coastal region is now safer and better connected with the completion of the Mackay Ring Road to Bald Hill Road Connection project.
This project has delivered a duplicated section of the Bruce Highway between the Mackay Ring Road and Bald Hill Road, improving safety and efficiency for people travelling through Glenella.
The upgrade provides a consistent journey for drivers by extending the duplication from the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade which was completed in September 2022, through to the Mackay Ring Road roundabout.
Key features of the completed works include two new dual-lane overpass bridges and a new port rail overpass as well as an upgraded intersection at Bald Hill Road.
To minimise disruption to the 12,000 vehicles that use this section of the highway daily, a unique top-down temporary fill method was used during bridge construction which enabled works to continue without the need for road closures on the Bruce Highway.
The three overpass bridges required approximately 620 tonnes of reinforced steel.
The project is estimated to have supported an average of 534 direct jobs over its duration.
The $87 million Mackay Ring Road to Bald Hill Road project was funded with a $69.6 million commitment from the Federal Government and a $17.4 million commitment from the Queensland Government.
The project is a continuation of the more than $410 million Mackay Ring Road construction project, which was completed in 2020.
The Federal Government contributed $328.3 million to that project, with the Queensland Government providing over $82 million.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that the government is investing more than $17 billion in projects along the 1,673km long Bruce Highway.
“While it’s tools down on this section of highway, we’re getting on with more than 40 other projects to improve the drive on one of Queensland’s most important roads,” King said.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, said that now completed, the Mackay Ring Road to Bald Hill Road Connection project will be an integral part of an integrated transport network in the region connecting to major infrastructure such as the Mackay Ring Road, the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade and the Walkerston Bypass.
“We understand the impact this had on local residents and road users and we thank the community for its patience while construction of these important upgrades was completed.”
For more information visit: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/mackay-ring-road
