Published Wednesday, 22 October, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Minister inspects progress on vital Townsville road projects
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt is visiting two major projects in the Townsville region today to see first-hand progress on projects that will improve traffic flow and safety around the region.
“The North Ward Road project and the Bruce Highway upgrade between Woodlands Shopping Centre and Veales Road are progressing well toward completion dates in 2009,” Mr Pitt said.
“These projects will provide vital infrastructure to support future development in Townsville.”
The Woodlands–Veales project forms part of the Australian Government-funded $220 million Accelerated Bruce Highway Upgrade Package between Townsville and Cairns.
Mr Pitt said the North Ward Road upgrade would improve efficiency for motorists travelling to the city and the Strand, and improve safety at several key intersections.
“The upgrade is being delivered in three sections, with the first package of work completed in December last year,” he said.
“The second package of works is still under construction and will provide traffic with four lanes between Gregory Street and Heatleys Parade.
“This stage of the works is expected to be completed by early next year.
“At the request of the community, the design of this section of road was altered to retain the black bean and sea almond trees that provide food and nesting grounds for black cockatoos.
“The project has also involved the landscaping of a new memorial park for one of the region’s founding icons, Ben Bloom.”
Mr Pitt said the final package of work, between Walker Street and Gregory Street, was scheduled for completion in mid 2009.
“This package includes the construction of a roundabout at the Oxley and Eyre streets intersection, which will provide a safer environment for motorists, particularly as it is located on the crest of a hill,” he said.
“This reduces the risk of accidents for vehicles accessing Eyre Street and creates efficient traffic flow, more suitable for a major arterial road to the city's CBD.
“Pedestrians and cyclists have also been catered for through the provision of footpaths and cycle lanes throughout the works.
“An additional benefit to the community is the installation of nearly 4.5km of new water mains in a collaborative effort between Townsville City Council and Main Roads.”
Mr Pitt will also inspect today the 2.9-kilometre Bruce Highway upgrade between Woodlands and Veales Road, which is funded by the Australian Government.
“Most of the activity in recent weeks has focussed on bridge construction at Stoney Creek,” Mr Pitt said.
“The path for the new overpass access to Bushland Beach is now visible to motorists travelling on the highway. The southern abutment has recently been completed and supporting piers for spans one and two of the overpass bridge have been erected.
“Relieving congestion and improving safety at the Mt Low Parkway/Bruce Highway intersection is a priority for both the Australian and Queensland governments.
“Main Roads has made efforts to improve traffic flow during construction by adjusting the timing of the traffic signals and making minor changes to the lane configuration on Mt Low Parkway.
“As part of the project, the Veales Road intersection has just been reconfigured to a 'seagull', or gull wing, intersection to improve safety and access. The shape is achieved by adding turning lanes that, from above, look like a seagull in flight.
"A seagull intersection allows turning traffic to negotiate the intersection in a controlled and protected manner and merge safely onto the highway without the need for traffic lights.
“Line marking and asphalt work will now take place at this improved intersection.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
“The North Ward Road project and the Bruce Highway upgrade between Woodlands Shopping Centre and Veales Road are progressing well toward completion dates in 2009,” Mr Pitt said.
“These projects will provide vital infrastructure to support future development in Townsville.”
The Woodlands–Veales project forms part of the Australian Government-funded $220 million Accelerated Bruce Highway Upgrade Package between Townsville and Cairns.
Mr Pitt said the North Ward Road upgrade would improve efficiency for motorists travelling to the city and the Strand, and improve safety at several key intersections.
“The upgrade is being delivered in three sections, with the first package of work completed in December last year,” he said.
“The second package of works is still under construction and will provide traffic with four lanes between Gregory Street and Heatleys Parade.
“This stage of the works is expected to be completed by early next year.
“At the request of the community, the design of this section of road was altered to retain the black bean and sea almond trees that provide food and nesting grounds for black cockatoos.
“The project has also involved the landscaping of a new memorial park for one of the region’s founding icons, Ben Bloom.”
Mr Pitt said the final package of work, between Walker Street and Gregory Street, was scheduled for completion in mid 2009.
“This package includes the construction of a roundabout at the Oxley and Eyre streets intersection, which will provide a safer environment for motorists, particularly as it is located on the crest of a hill,” he said.
“This reduces the risk of accidents for vehicles accessing Eyre Street and creates efficient traffic flow, more suitable for a major arterial road to the city's CBD.
“Pedestrians and cyclists have also been catered for through the provision of footpaths and cycle lanes throughout the works.
“An additional benefit to the community is the installation of nearly 4.5km of new water mains in a collaborative effort between Townsville City Council and Main Roads.”
Mr Pitt will also inspect today the 2.9-kilometre Bruce Highway upgrade between Woodlands and Veales Road, which is funded by the Australian Government.
“Most of the activity in recent weeks has focussed on bridge construction at Stoney Creek,” Mr Pitt said.
“The path for the new overpass access to Bushland Beach is now visible to motorists travelling on the highway. The southern abutment has recently been completed and supporting piers for spans one and two of the overpass bridge have been erected.
“Relieving congestion and improving safety at the Mt Low Parkway/Bruce Highway intersection is a priority for both the Australian and Queensland governments.
“Main Roads has made efforts to improve traffic flow during construction by adjusting the timing of the traffic signals and making minor changes to the lane configuration on Mt Low Parkway.
“As part of the project, the Veales Road intersection has just been reconfigured to a 'seagull', or gull wing, intersection to improve safety and access. The shape is achieved by adding turning lanes that, from above, look like a seagull in flight.
"A seagull intersection allows turning traffic to negotiate the intersection in a controlled and protected manner and merge safely onto the highway without the need for traffic lights.
“Line marking and asphalt work will now take place at this improved intersection.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819