Major road projects mean progress for Mackay

Bridge construction for the $33.6 million Hospital Bridge project is underway, with the outline of the new Lagoon Creek crossing already starting to take shape.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt and Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin toured the project site today.

Mr Pitt said the start of work on the bridge signalled a major milestone for the project.

“Work on the project has been underway since February this year, but so far the majority of work has been out of sight, away from existing roads,” Mr Pitt said.

“With work now starting on the bridge construction phase of the project, Mackay residents will start to see much more work happening, especially around the end of Lagoon Street.

“Earlier this week workers finished driving concrete piles for the first abutment of the Lagoon Creek Bridge, a 50-metre bridge that will join Lagoon Street to the new concrete Hospital Bridge.

“Work is now happening at the end of Lagoon Street, where construction crews are working in preparation for the new roundabout that will connect Landsdowne Road and Hume Street.

“Work is also happening opposite the Botanic Gardens, with a special landscaping project that will create an entry statement to the Blue River Trail. Main Roads is working closely with Mackay City Council to choose trees and plants that will maintain the trail’s theme.”

The Hospital Bridge replacement project will see a new concrete bridge built across the Pioneer River by early 2009, improving traffic flow around the Mackay CBD and moving traffic away from the Mackay Base Hospital.

Main Roads has already completed the project’s first stage, with work to upgrade Lagoon Street in preparation for the new bridge finished earlier this year.

Mr Mulherin said the Hospital Bridge project was one of several initiatives set to revitalise travel around Mackay.

“Later this month Main Roads will award a contract for construction of the $75 million Forgan Bridge Duplication Project, with construction due to commence early next year.

“During the next two years, the Forgan Bridge will be gradually upgraded and replaced with a new four-lane bridge, which will be opened by December 2009.

“Elsewhere, work on the rail overpass for the Mackay-Bucasia Road upgrade will start in the next two weeks – a significant step in fulfilling the State Government’s election promise to four-lane the road from the Bruce Highway through to Eimeo Road,” Mr Mulherin said.

Work has already started on the Joint Levee Road, which by late 2009 will provide an alternative access for heavy vehicles to the port, paving the way for a later upgrade of Malcomson Street.

Mr Mulherin encouraged local residents to contact Main Roads for more information about the construction projects, or to have their say on important consultation projects underway.

“People still have more than a week left to get their feedback in on the options for the Walkerston Bypass, in particular,” Mr Mulherin said.

“While Main Roads has already received an enormous response to date, I strongly encourage anyone who hasn’t yet commented on the plans to let us know their thoughts.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819