Safer, smoother ride north-east of Blackall

A $1.08 million project to upgrade the Blackall-Jericho Road in the state's central west will begin in early 2009, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.

Mr Pitt said the works involved surfacing and sealing a section of the Blackall-Jericho Road to provide safer and smoother travelling conditions for motorists.

"This project marks another important step towards providing sealed access to remote communities in central west Queensland," Mr Pitt said.

"A 4.5 kilometre section of the Blackall-Jericho Road, about 34 kilometres from Blackall, will be surfaced and sealed to 6 metres wide to improve travelling conditions for motorists and the freight industry.

"It will also increase safety and help maintain traffic speeds between Blackall and Jericho."

Mr Pitt said the Blackall-Jericho Road provided important access for both heavy and light vehicles to service centres and industries.

"This work is part of the state government's commitment to provide an all-weather road to replace the old Jericho-Yaraka rail line," he said.

Barcaldine Regional Council will carry out the work on behalf of Main Roads under a $1.08 million contract. The project is expected to be completed by the end of June 2009.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819