Early Christmas present for Bundaberg motorists

Construction on a section of the $92 million Bundaberg Ring Road has been completed and opened to local traffic ahead of schedule, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.

Mr Pitt said the section between Elliot Heads and Bells roads was complete and would be opened to the community today (December 19).

"Not only are we able to open this section earlier than anticipated, but Main Roads also expects the full project to be completed four months ahead of schedule, weather permitting,” Mr Pitt said.

"Thanks to the great work of the project team, residents using the new road between Elliott Heads and Bells roads will now no longer need to use the temporary side track, which has been in place throughout construction.

"This new section of road will provide road users with a safer alternative route while the remainder of the construction work is carried out.

“Opening the road will also allow the contractor to complete drainage works adjacent to Bells Road and assist in the construction of the Bells Road cul-de-sac with minimum impact to road users.”

Mr Pitt said Main Roads would open sections of the ring road as soon as they became available.

"I am sure the community supports the department's decision to open sections as they are completed, rather than not use the road until the entire project is finalised," Mr Pitt said.

"By opening these sections earlier, we are also giving motorists a preview of the Bundaberg Ring Road before they can experience the finished road in August 2009."

Main Roads Acting Regional Director Stephen Mallows said the Elliott Heads Road traffic lights would start operating early in the new year.

"Although work from Elliott Heads Road to Bells Road has been completed, the traffic signals are not yet necessary," Mr Mallows said.

"Directional signage will be in place on the ring road to assist motorists with the changed traffic conditions.

"All linemarking at the intersection will be in place and road lighting operating to ensure the continued safety of all road users."

Mr Pitt said once completed, the ring road would alleviate traffic congestion on the existing road network and save considerable time for road users.

"The new Bundaberg Ring Road will also provide an alternative route to help remove heavy vehicles and port traffic out of Bundaberg's Central Business District," Mr Pitt said.

"The road will also provide an alternative to motorists travelling from the Isis Highway to Bargara Road and other parts of the city.”

Stage one is scheduled for completion by March 2009, weather permitting, with motorists expected to be using the full length of the road by August 2009.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819