Heavy duty Capricorn Highway upgrade

One of the Central Highland's busiest and most important freight routes is in the midst of an efficiency overhaul.

Acting Minister for Transport and Main Roads, John Mickel, announced work has begun on a $5.5 million project to re-seal and widen a 13 kilometre section of the Capricorn highway, east of Emerald.

“The works, 10 kilometres outside of Emerald, are part of a rolling upgrade of the Capricorn Highway.

“Already $29 million has been invested and another $23 million planned by the State Government, to strengthen and widen the Capricorn Highway for the increasing number of heavy vehicles using the route.

Mr Mickel said 15 percent of the 2500 vehicles using the Capricorn Highway daily are heavy freight trucks.

“The booming mines rely heavily on the Capricorn Highway, along with the region’s traditional agricultural industries like cotton and citrus.

“Main Roads is behind the wheel of a more efficient and user friendly freight route, which is also under increasing demand from Central Queensland’s thriving urban population.

Work on the 13 kilometre upgrade west of Yamala is scheduled to be finished by the end of October with planning for an upgrade east of Yamala to follow soon after.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 3237 1947