LOCALS ARE THE FIRST TO WALK RING ROAD OVERPASS

Townsville residents will today be the first to walk across the new overpass of the Townsville Ring Road.

Member for Thuringowa and Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland Craig Wallace said the overpass, above Hervey's Range Road, is the latest milestone in the construction of the Townsville Ring Road.

"This is a significant achievement in this project and I’m pleased that the community has been invited to be a part of this celebration," Mr Wallace said.

"The Bligh Government is planning for and managing growth and the Ring Road project is a great example of this.

"Once complete, the Ring Road will serve as an essential piece of infrastructure for the growing region and provide local residents with easier access between Townsville and Thuringowa," Mr Wallace said.

"The Ring Road will provide a more efficient route for freight and passenger traffic, and improve road safety by removing heavy vehicles/through traffic.

"I’m pleased that local residents are the first to walk across this new overpass and I look forward to seeing residents drive across the new overpass at the completion of the Ring Road project later this year."

Local residents will today attend a special 'Community Afternoon' sponsored by the Bligh Government, Main Roads, Theiss Pty Ltd and Maunsell AECOM, where they will have the opportunity to walk across the new overpass.