Centenary Highway extension on track

The Centenary Highway extension is on track for a mid 2009 opening, with work on the third and final section of the $366 million project to start soon.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt today announced the $31 million contract for the five kilometre section between Ripley and South Deebing had been awarded to Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd.

“Since construction began in November 2006, Leighton Contractors has already shifted more than 2.7 million cubic metres of earth on the eastern 10 kilometre section between South Deebing and Yamanto,” Mr Pitt said.

"Once work on the final section starts by the end of the year, all three sections will be under simultaneous construction and due to open to traffic in mid 2009.”

Mr Pitt was joined by local MPs Rachel Nolan (Ipswich) and Jo-Ann Miller (Bundamba) on an inspection of the project today.

Ms Nolan said the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program identified Springfield and Ripley as areas with significant future growth in population, industry and community services.

"This project highlights the state government's commitment to managing the continued growth in the western corridor by providing the infrastructure ahead of demand in the area,” she said.

Mrs Miller said the Centenary Highway extension would be the primary transport corridor for southern Ipswich, including Springfield, the Ripley Valley and the expanding Swanbank industrial area.

The 18km extension would be a two-lane highway with room for additional lanes to be built in the future.

"This might be some years down the track but as the Smart State we have planned for the future by allowing for the extra lanes in the initial design phase,” Mrs Miller said.

For more information on the highway extension, contact the project hotline on 1800 500 544 or project website www.mainroads.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819