Published Tuesday, 03 June, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
State Budget boost for Bundaberg Ring Road
A State Budget injection of $34.5 million would have traffic flowing on the new Bundaberg Ring Road by the end of 2009, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.
The funding is part of a record $3.235 billion commitment towards roads in the 2008-09 State Budget that will drive progress on the Queensland Government’s infrastructure plans.
Mr Pitt said the $92 million ring road would improve driving conditions for motorists and heavy vehicle operators in the Wide Bay/Burnett Region.
“The ring road will provide an alternative route from the Isis Highway to the industrial areas and the port to the east of Bundaberg,” Mr Pitt said.
“It will also ease congestion in Bundaberg by diverting heavy vehicles away from city streets and residential areas.”
The 14.3km ring road will connect the Isis Highway to Bargara Road via Von Deest Street, a bridge over the North Coast Rail line near Goodwood Road, then follow Lovers Walk and Greathead Road, crossing over FE Walker Street to Bargara Road near the Gahans Road junction.
The first stage of the ring road is the 7.4km section from Bargara Road to Goodwood Road while the second stage will connect the Isis Highway to Goodwood Road.
“Construction is continuing on the first stage while work will start on the second stage early next year,” Mr Pitt said.
“The ring road will provide a smooth ride for drivers with a new 10m-wide bitumen sealed road. Bundaberg residents and visitors will find it a convenient way to travel around the city.
“The project also includes two single-span bridges over an irrigation channel, two three-span bridges over Bundaberg Creek and three new sets of traffic signals and intersection upgrades at various locations.
“Traffic is expected to be driving the full 14.3km road linking west and east of the city by the end of 2009.”
Mr Pitt said Budget funding to improve regional transport networks showed the government’s commitment to regional economies.
“The $92 million Ring Road will play a key role in improving freight efficiency in the region, particularly for heavy vehicle operators transporting to and from the port,’’ he said.
“The ring road will also cater for future traffic growth and improve safety for motorists and heavy vehicle drivers.”
Mr Pitt said new regional councils would also benefit, with $5.7 million provided to councils under the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS).
TIDS is a program that allows local government to access State Government funding for projects on local roads.
This includes $114,000 for North Burnett Regional Council to construct to sealed two-lane standard a 3.3km section of Kalliwa Connection Road at Mt Perry.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
The funding is part of a record $3.235 billion commitment towards roads in the 2008-09 State Budget that will drive progress on the Queensland Government’s infrastructure plans.
Mr Pitt said the $92 million ring road would improve driving conditions for motorists and heavy vehicle operators in the Wide Bay/Burnett Region.
“The ring road will provide an alternative route from the Isis Highway to the industrial areas and the port to the east of Bundaberg,” Mr Pitt said.
“It will also ease congestion in Bundaberg by diverting heavy vehicles away from city streets and residential areas.”
The 14.3km ring road will connect the Isis Highway to Bargara Road via Von Deest Street, a bridge over the North Coast Rail line near Goodwood Road, then follow Lovers Walk and Greathead Road, crossing over FE Walker Street to Bargara Road near the Gahans Road junction.
The first stage of the ring road is the 7.4km section from Bargara Road to Goodwood Road while the second stage will connect the Isis Highway to Goodwood Road.
“Construction is continuing on the first stage while work will start on the second stage early next year,” Mr Pitt said.
“The ring road will provide a smooth ride for drivers with a new 10m-wide bitumen sealed road. Bundaberg residents and visitors will find it a convenient way to travel around the city.
“The project also includes two single-span bridges over an irrigation channel, two three-span bridges over Bundaberg Creek and three new sets of traffic signals and intersection upgrades at various locations.
“Traffic is expected to be driving the full 14.3km road linking west and east of the city by the end of 2009.”
Mr Pitt said Budget funding to improve regional transport networks showed the government’s commitment to regional economies.
“The $92 million Ring Road will play a key role in improving freight efficiency in the region, particularly for heavy vehicle operators transporting to and from the port,’’ he said.
“The ring road will also cater for future traffic growth and improve safety for motorists and heavy vehicle drivers.”
Mr Pitt said new regional councils would also benefit, with $5.7 million provided to councils under the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS).
TIDS is a program that allows local government to access State Government funding for projects on local roads.
This includes $114,000 for North Burnett Regional Council to construct to sealed two-lane standard a 3.3km section of Kalliwa Connection Road at Mt Perry.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819