Minister inspects progress on Bundaberg’s ring road

Work has started on the new 14km Bundaberg ring road, which will link east and west Bundaberg and divert heavy traffic away from the city centre.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt visited Bundaberg today for a ceremonial sod-turning and to inspect progress on the first stage of the $92 million project.

Mr Pitt said substantial progress on the long-awaited project was already evident.

“Workers have been on site for a few weeks, and have already cleared the path for the first stage of the road in preparation for some bridges that will be built during the next year,” he said.

“Stage-one construction will involve more than seven kilometres of road, as well as two new three-span bridges over Bundaberg Creek and two single-span bridges over an irrigation channel.

“The 10m-wide sealed bitumen road will also include two signalised intersections and several other upgraded intersections.”

The first stage of construction starts at Goodwood Road and follows Lovers Walk and Greathead Road, crossing over FE Walker Street to Bargara Road near the Gahans Road junction.

Construction started this month and should finish in early 2009.

The second stage of construction will start next year, and connect Goodwood Road to the Isis Highway.

“When work on the entire project finishes at the end of 2009, heavy vehicles will be moved out of the city area, meaning less noise and pollution for residents, and faster trips for motorists,” Mr Pitt said.

“Traffic projections show that once fully constructed, the road will shave seven minutes from cross-city trips.”

While in Bundaberg, Mr Pitt also visited work on the upgrade of the FE Walker Street and Elliott Heads Road intersection.

“Construction at this intersection is well underway, and will finish in January next year,” he said.

“This upgrade is part of a $5.5 million project that also includes new traffic signals at the Boundary Street and Elliott Heads Road intersections, which will be switched on by April next year.”

The intersection upgrade is the fifth project in the Queensland Government’s plan to fix eight of Bundaberg’s busiest intersections.

Four intersections have already been upgraded, at:
• Bargara and Gahans roads
• Bargara Road and Lievesley Street
• Gin Gin Road and Walters Street
• Bargara Road and Whittred Street.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819