The proposed route for the Mackay Ring Road on the Bruce Highway in Queensland has been finalised with initial works set to begin shortly, improving road safety.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the construction of the project between Stockroute Road and the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Bald Hill Road will address the traffic congestion and subsequent accident risks of the existing route.
“The Mackay Ring Road project will also improve safety for residents by taking heavy vehicles travelling along the Bruce Highway off local streets, as well as reducing travel times for inter-regional trips and for freight vehicles,” Mr Chester said.
“Early works will start shortly ahead of major construction, scheduled to begin in mid-2017 and will take about three years to complete.”
Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said the project was just one example of the Australian Government’s commitment to fixing the Bruce Highway.
“In addition to providing efficiency and safety gains for motorists and freight vehicles, the project is expected to support an average of 603 jobs over the life of the project,” Mr Christensen said.
“This is great news for the Mackay region and I am pleased that work will be starting within weeks.”
The Australian Government has committed up to $448 million to the Bruce Highway—Mackay Ring Road—stage one project, with the Queensland Government committing up to $117 million.
