New funding to accelerate upgrade of key northern road link

The Bligh Government will accelerate extra works worth $10 million on the important road link between Charters Towers and Mount Garnet, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt announced today.

Mr Pitt said the funding would be used to widen a further 12km of single-lane bitumen between Hervey's Range Road and Greenvale, to two sealed lanes with sealed shoulders.

"The Bligh Government is committed to upgrading this important freight route, between Charters Towers and Mount Garnet, to improve the safety and driving conditions for all road users," Mr Pitt said.

"I am pleased to advise that $10 million will be diverted within the current five-year Roads Implementation Program towards accelerating the upgrading of this link.

“This additional funding will increase the total five-year funding package for this road to $65 million.”

Mr Pitt said the 421-kilometre link was comprised of sections of the Gregory and Kennedy developmental roads, and the Kennedy Highway.

"It is classified as suitable for type two road trains and is the key north-south freight route for the North-East Minerals Province – one of Queensland’s most important and expanding economic regions of significance.

"The road has extensive sections of narrow single-lane bitumen and currently services a wide mix of small vehicles, tourist traffic, freight vehicles and road trains transporting cattle and general goods.

“It also provides an alternative route between Townsville and Cairns when the coastal highway is cut by flooding during the wet season each year.”

Mr Pitt said the funding built on the government's significant $55 million commitment to widen another 90km of the remaining 196km of single-lane road to two sealed lanes with sealed shoulders during the next five years.

"During the past 15 years, the government has undertaken progressive widening of narrow sections of this road to provide regular opportunities for safe overtaking and passing,” he said.

"By mid-2010, this funding package will reduce the road’s narrow sections from about half its total length to about a quarter."

Mr Pitt said Main Roads was undertaking widening on a 19km stretch of this link, south of Hervey's Range Road in the vicinity of Fletchers Creek, as well as a 42km stretch between the Hervey’s Range Road turn-off and Greenvale.

"A further 29 kilometres will be widened on many narrow sections north of The Lynd junction."

Mr Pitt said the accelerated upgrade would support the North-East Minerals Province and allow for safer and more efficient travel for freight and motorists.

"In addition to this $65 million commitment by the State Government, I recently launched a draft Road Management Plan for the road at the Blueprint for the Bush annual forum in Charters Towers.

"This plan has now been finalised and is ready for implementation – it takes an integrated approach to managing the road’s operation and traffic safety.

"The Bligh Government recognises the importance of this road and is committed to working with the mining sector to manage and improve this significant freight link."

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819