Burnett Highway makeover

Work is about to begin on a $20 million renovation of the Burnett Highway.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, said five projects over five years would return the important freight and tourist route to top condition.

“The Burnett Highway blitz begins with the resurfacing and strengthening of a 15 kilometre section between Tomlins Road (North) and Tomlins Road (South) near Jambin.

“It adds up to $8 million in work on that part of the Burnett highway alone and includes upgrades of the Dooney’s and Dooney Smith’s road intersections.

“Work on this part of the highway is expected to be finished by June 2008”

"By bundling this and four other projects over the next five years, Main Roads can make significant savings on the cost of planning, design and construction materials.

“Other projects planned for the Burnett Highway include additional road surface replacement and intersection works near the Argoon turnoff and south of Alma Creek."

“At the end of the five years the bitumen on some 70 kilometres of the Highway between Dululu and Biloela will have been completely replaced.

“Motorists will notice the difference with a smoother, effortless drive from A to B.”

Mr Lucas said Banana Shire Council will carry out the work on the Burnett Highway in conjunction with Main Roads.

Banana Shire Mayor Glenn Churchill said the shire is looking forward to expanding an already strong working relationship with Main Roads.

“Council is proud of the capability of its workforce and sees the alliance arrangement as recognition by Main Roads of Council’s ability,” Mayor Churchill said.

The Burnett Highway project follows $78 million of extensive work on the Dawson Highway under the Accelerated Road Rehabilitation Program.

Since August, Main Roads has upgraded a total of 71km of the Dawson Highway.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 0448 184566.