Published Wednesday, 09 July, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
MPs inspect progress on Mackay–Bucasia Road upgrade
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt joined Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt today to inspect work on a $17 million project to duplicate Mackay–Bucasia Road, and improve access for Mackay’s booming northern beaches.
Mr Pitt said that once completed, the duplication project between Golf Links Road and Phillip Street would ease traffic congestion for motorists travelling to and from the northern beaches.
"The Queensland Government made an election commitment to provide northern beaches residents with four lanes to link them efficiently to town and this project is on track to deliver just that," Mr Pitt said.
"The 3.7-kilometre duplication has been progressing well since my last visit to the area in May.
"Since then, the bridge foundations for the rail overpass have been completed as well as a third of the paving, with sealing of paving commencing last week."
Ms Jarratt said the Mackay–Bucasia Road upgrade was very important to the many residents who travelled the road every day.
"Mackay–Bucasia Road is the only arterial road connecting the northern beaches communities to Mackay City, with about 18,000 vehicles travelling on this road each day," Ms Jarratt said.
"When completed, the project will include a new bridge over the railway line, a central traffic median to separate carriageways, and a two-metre sealed shoulder on the outside of both carriageways to cater for cyclists."
Mr Pitt said Mackay was experiencing an unprecedented level of roadworks and improvements, with the Mackay–Bucasia Road project due to be completed early in 2009, weather permitting, and another three major roads projects currently underway in the region.
"Piling works for the temporary working platform started this week on the $128 million Forgan Bridge replacement project,” he said.
“Stage one of the $14.2 million Joint Levee Project is due to be completed by the end of this month, coming on top of Main Roads’ $100,000 project to repair Malcomson Street, which was completed last month," Mr Pitt said.
"In addition to these projects, the $33.6 million Hospital Bridge project is also progressing well, with construction of the roundabout at Hume Street, Lagoon Street and Lansdowne Road set to start at the end of this week."
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Ms Jarratt’s Office 4945 3343
Mr Pitt said that once completed, the duplication project between Golf Links Road and Phillip Street would ease traffic congestion for motorists travelling to and from the northern beaches.
"The Queensland Government made an election commitment to provide northern beaches residents with four lanes to link them efficiently to town and this project is on track to deliver just that," Mr Pitt said.
"The 3.7-kilometre duplication has been progressing well since my last visit to the area in May.
"Since then, the bridge foundations for the rail overpass have been completed as well as a third of the paving, with sealing of paving commencing last week."
Ms Jarratt said the Mackay–Bucasia Road upgrade was very important to the many residents who travelled the road every day.
"Mackay–Bucasia Road is the only arterial road connecting the northern beaches communities to Mackay City, with about 18,000 vehicles travelling on this road each day," Ms Jarratt said.
"When completed, the project will include a new bridge over the railway line, a central traffic median to separate carriageways, and a two-metre sealed shoulder on the outside of both carriageways to cater for cyclists."
Mr Pitt said Mackay was experiencing an unprecedented level of roadworks and improvements, with the Mackay–Bucasia Road project due to be completed early in 2009, weather permitting, and another three major roads projects currently underway in the region.
"Piling works for the temporary working platform started this week on the $128 million Forgan Bridge replacement project,” he said.
“Stage one of the $14.2 million Joint Levee Project is due to be completed by the end of this month, coming on top of Main Roads’ $100,000 project to repair Malcomson Street, which was completed last month," Mr Pitt said.
"In addition to these projects, the $33.6 million Hospital Bridge project is also progressing well, with construction of the roundabout at Hume Street, Lagoon Street and Lansdowne Road set to start at the end of this week."
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Ms Jarratt’s Office 4945 3343