Piling works pioneer new river crossing as part of Mackay Ring Road

Published Monday, 19 February, 2018 at 09:30 AM

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

 

  • Work underway on piling for fourth Pioneer River crossing in Mackay
  • New 670-metre-long structure part of the Mackay Ring Road project
  • $497.3 million project funded by the Australian and Queensland governments

 

The landmark $497.3 million Mackay Ring Road project is taking another step forward with the start of piling works at the new Pioneer River crossing.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Barnaby Joyce said the Mackay Ring Road Stage 1 project would give the city a fourth Pioneer River crossing and better access during flooding.

“The new bridge is also going to be a really important new part of the Bruce Highway, by making this section of the highway safer and more reliable and taking trucks and through-traffic out of the town centre. The new crossing of the Pioneer River is also going to significantly improve resilience against major floods, improving access and reliability for residents,” Mr Joyce said.

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the piling works, taking place upstream from the existing Edmund Casey Bridge, would provide the physical support for the new 670-metre-long structure.

“These piles will form the permanent foundation of the river crossing, and will be drilled at least 2.3 metres into the bedrock, which is 26.6 metres below the level of the highest tide. While works are progressing along the alignment, it will be exciting to see this, the largest of the 13 bridges and overpasses on the project, taking shape,” Mr Bailey said.

Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said the new crossing was a major component of the jointly funded project.

“Apart from building critical new infrastructure, the overarching project is supporting our economy by creating and supporting jobs. More than 530 direct jobs are being supported over the life of the project – a vital injection for the region’s businesses and families. This is another example of the Australian Government’s commitment to improving the Bruce Highway, benefitting North Queensland residents and businesses,” Mr Christensen said.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said she was thrilled to see the ring road progressing.

“This is part of the largest infrastructure project ever in Mackay. It will benefit the people of this region, as well as those travelling through, for many years to come,” Ms Gilbert said.

The $497.3 million Bruce Highway – Mackay Ring Road - Stage 1 project is scheduled for completion by early 2020 and is funded by the Australian Government, which is committing up to $397.9 million, and the Queensland Government, which is providing up to $99.4 million.