Published Friday, 28 December, 2007 at 10:02 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Main Roads ready to deliver important road projects in 2008
The Department of Main Roads was ready to build on progress made during 2007 to deliver several major projects in south-east Queensland next year, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.
Mr Pitt said Main Roads had finalised some of the south-east’s major road projects in 2007 as part of a record $2.06 billion roadworks program.
"Main Roads has worked hard to meet the needs generated by Queensland's exceptional growth and is continuing to deliver a safer, more efficient road network to the region,” he said.
"Among Main Roads' accomplishments this year was the opening of the new Maroochy River Bridge on 8 December, which was accelerated by 12 months as part of the Queensland Government’s $104 million upgrade of the Sunshine Motorway.
"Work is now proceeding on upgrading and widening the existing Maroochy River Bridge and is expected to be completed by the end of 2008."
Main Roads also opened the Caboolture Bypass to traffic on 12 December 2007, increasing road efficiency and easing congestion.
"Progress is also well ahead of schedule on the four-lane upgrade of the Mount Lindesay Highway," Mr Pitt said.
"Next year, we will continue to deliver other major projects in south-east Queensland such as the $1.88 billion Gateway Motorway Upgrade, the $543 million Tugun Bypass and the $366 million Centenary Highway extension."
Mr Pitt said while good progress had been made on these projects, some had been affected by rainfall and the forecast of a wet summer could have an impact on planned works.
"While everyone welcomes the recent rain in the south-east, we must also acknowledge that wet weather can affect project timelines," he said.
"For example, rain has affected some projects, particularly on the Sunshine Coast, which has meant that some earthworks on Caloundra Road, Caloundra–Mooloolaba Road and Maroochydore Road have been delayed.
"Surfacing work is a sensitive process at best in dry conditions and the site has already received more than 1300mm of rain since the start of work.
"Fortunately, other aspects of the projects are progressing well and we hope to keep making headway.
"As part of any planning process, Main Roads factors in the possibility of adverse weather conditions, and we strive to keep progress on track to the best of our ability."
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Mr Pitt said Main Roads had finalised some of the south-east’s major road projects in 2007 as part of a record $2.06 billion roadworks program.
"Main Roads has worked hard to meet the needs generated by Queensland's exceptional growth and is continuing to deliver a safer, more efficient road network to the region,” he said.
"Among Main Roads' accomplishments this year was the opening of the new Maroochy River Bridge on 8 December, which was accelerated by 12 months as part of the Queensland Government’s $104 million upgrade of the Sunshine Motorway.
"Work is now proceeding on upgrading and widening the existing Maroochy River Bridge and is expected to be completed by the end of 2008."
Main Roads also opened the Caboolture Bypass to traffic on 12 December 2007, increasing road efficiency and easing congestion.
"Progress is also well ahead of schedule on the four-lane upgrade of the Mount Lindesay Highway," Mr Pitt said.
"Next year, we will continue to deliver other major projects in south-east Queensland such as the $1.88 billion Gateway Motorway Upgrade, the $543 million Tugun Bypass and the $366 million Centenary Highway extension."
Mr Pitt said while good progress had been made on these projects, some had been affected by rainfall and the forecast of a wet summer could have an impact on planned works.
"While everyone welcomes the recent rain in the south-east, we must also acknowledge that wet weather can affect project timelines," he said.
"For example, rain has affected some projects, particularly on the Sunshine Coast, which has meant that some earthworks on Caloundra Road, Caloundra–Mooloolaba Road and Maroochydore Road have been delayed.
"Surfacing work is a sensitive process at best in dry conditions and the site has already received more than 1300mm of rain since the start of work.
"Fortunately, other aspects of the projects are progressing well and we hope to keep making headway.
"As part of any planning process, Main Roads factors in the possibility of adverse weather conditions, and we strive to keep progress on track to the best of our ability."
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819