Tender call for next piece of highway jigsaw

Tenders will be called tomorrow for the construction of the next phase of the $270 million Centenary Highway Extension from Ripley to Yamanto.

Acting Minister for Transport and Main Roads, John Mickel, said road builders have six weeks to bid for a three kilometre section from South Deebing Creek Road to the Cunningham Highway.

”It signals another significant milestone in the extension of the Centenary Highway.”

Member for Bundamba, Jo-Ann Miller, said the upgraded Centenary Highway will provide a direct link from Yamanto and Ripley to Springfield and other major arterial routes to Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

“The Springfield and Ripley regions have been identified as major areas of population growth by the South East Queensland Regional Plan.

“We’re already putting in place the infrastructure now to manage the anticipated needs of this vibrant and growing community,” she said.

“Work on extending the Centenary Highway is moving ahead at an impressive pace,” Mr Mickel said.

"Construction of the Springfield to Ripley section started last November with major earthworks, drainage culvert construction and pile driving all now in full swing."

"The extension, along with the Boundary Road/Kelliher Road upgrade at Richlands and the planned duplication of the highway to Springfield, demonstrates the State Government's commitment to the Greater Springfield area."

“It’s expected Main Roads will be in a position to announce the successful tender for the three kilometre section from South Deebing Creek Road to the Cunningham Highway before the end of July.

Mr Mickel said construction of various sections of the extension are being carried out simultaneously with tenders for the final piece of the Centenary Highway jigsaw from Ripley Road to South Deebing Creek Road to be called in July.

The Centenary Highway Extension is due to be finished by mid 2009.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 3237 1947