Capricorn lanes to reduce construction congestion

New dedicated turning lanes are expected to avert potential traffic snarls on Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road during construction of the CapricornCoast’s newest freight facility.

Parliamentary Secretary for Main Roads, Andrew McNamara said the new turning lanes were part of a $3.5 million dollar upgrade and would separate construction traffic entering the site from passing motorists.

‘This will dramatically reduce the potential for traffic snarls during the freight facilities’ construction stage.

“Once the complex opens next year, the new lanes will allow trucks to turn into the new freight depot without holding up general traffic on Rockhampton – Yeppoon Road.”

Mr McNamara said the turning lanes are being built in conjunction with the extension of the Bondoola overtaking lanes.

Member for Keppel, Paul Hoolihan, said the new freight facility would reduce congestion in Yeppoon, especially during peak times.

“It takes heavy trucks away from the old rail yards in the town's CBD and the completion of the Yeppoon Western Bypass will also help lighten the load.

“The turning lanes into the new freight terminal are a common sense measure to keep the traffic flowing.”

Mr Hoolihan said $2.5 million has been provided by the Queensland government to help build the freight depot which is located opposite the Yeppoon landfill site.

“We’re putting back into the local community the money the State Government is saving in maintenance costs from the closure of the underutilised Yeppoon rail line.

”The reinvestiment is being put to good use by funding projects which provide real benefits not only for motorists but also the ecomony," he said.

The new truck turning lanes on Rockhampton – Yeppon road are expected to be finished by the end of the month.