Yeppoon western bypass ready for traffic

Residents living north of Yeppoon can bypass the central business district from next week with Main Roads announcing the opening of another section of the Yeppoon Western Bypass.

The new bypass road has been progressively opened to traffic since October 2006 as Main Roads constructed the new route to the west of the township.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the first section of the bypass linking Adelaide Park Road was opened late last year.

"The opening of the latest section of the Yeppoon Western Bypass, which connects directly to the Rockhampton – Yeppoon Road at Neil's Road intersection, will mean the new network is a time-saving alternative for many residents living to the north of Yeppoon," Mr Pitt said.

"Motorists will no longer need to travel through the Yeppoon central business district to travel north of the township, which will mean less congestion during peak periods.

"More than 550,000 tonnes of material was moved to provide a high-standard route for the many heavy vehicles which will use the bypass to service the logging and agricultural industries north of Yeppoon.

"By removing much of the heavy vehicle traffic from the centre of town, traffic flow will improve considerably and safety for motorists and pedestrians will be greatly improved" he said.

Member for Keppel Paul Hoolihan said it was a significant milestone for the Capricorn Coast to see the Neils Road section of the bypass open to traffic.

"Capricorn Coast residents will really see the benefits of the bypass with the opening of this latest section," Mr Hoolihan said.

"Similar to the difference the opening of the Kinka Connection brought for motorists travelling to Emu Park, the completion of this section of the bypass will deliver both immediate and long-lasting travel improvements across the Capricorn Coast," said Mr Hoolihan.

Through to December, 2007, there will be additional safety upgrades completed along Woodbury Road at the northern end of the bypass, which will mean minor delays for motorists travelling to Byfield.

"The safety works are being completed in addition to the bypass, but are important to ensure maximum safety for all users of the new link" said Mr Pitt.

The safety improvements will be completed by the end of the year.

Media contact: Minister Pitt's Office 3227 8819