IRONING OUT TABLELAND ROAD BENDS

Work will start soon on widening and straightening the EssendeenBridge section of Tableland Road, which links Bundaberg with Gladstone.

The Queensland State Government is providing $1.3 million for the project in a joint funding arrangement with the Australian Government, which is contributing $600,000.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, has thanked the Australian Government for approving funding for the Tableland Road upgrade.

“This is a good example of the State and Federal Governments working together to achieve results for motorists.

“Tableland Road has evolved into an important regional link between Bundaberg and Gladstone, and provides a shorter route between the two cities than the Bruce Highway. The upgrade will not only benefit local motorists but also cater for the growing demands of the horticulture and tourism industries.

“Traffic on Tableland Road has increased substantially since the sealing of Fingerboard Road to Miriam Vale, which connects directly with the Bruce Highway,” Mr Lucas said.

Australian Government Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, Jim Lloyd said Tableland Road was an ideal candidate road for financial support under the government’s AusLink Strategic Regional Program.

“There’ll be an improvement to safety and the road will become more efficient with the widening and realignment to iron out a number of curves, known as the Essendeen bends, which make overtaking difficult.

“It will also make Tableland Road less susceptible to flooding from Baffle Creek,” Mr Lloyd said.

The project involves realigning and widening a section of Tableland Road just north of the Baffle Creek crossing, it includes the reshaping of Wartburg Road, also known Hills Road. A T-intersection will be created at the junction with Tableland Road and new lighting added.

Mr Lucas said a shift in the origin and destination of traffic has made it necessary to change the road alignment, giving priority to north-south traffic and improving access to Miriam Vale, Agnes Water and the Town of 1770.

“I thank the Australian Government for approving its share of the project cost to enable us to send in the bulldozers.”

Construction is expected start in April.

Media inquiries:

Mr Lloyd’s office – Fiona Telford 02 6277 7060
Mr Lucas’ office – Darren Roberts 07 3237 1947