Published Monday, 12 January, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Treasurer
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
North Queensland jobs remain number one priority as North Ward Road upgrade remains on track
January 12, 2009
Main Roads’ preparations for North Queensland’s wet season have taken another step forward with stage-two sealing works on the $60 million North Ward Road upgrade now complete.
Treasurer and Acting Main Roads Minister Andrew Fraser visited the North Ward Road project today – just one of the many projects which form part of the state’s $17 billion capital works program.
‘’A total of $767 million will be spent on capital works in the Townsville region during 08-09,’’ he said.
“Those projects support around 5300 jobs – jobs that are essential as the government continues to tackle the economic downturn caused by the global financial crisis.''
Mr Fraser said the North Ward Road was a major access route to the CBD, and the upgrade would reduce congestion and the risk of accidents for motorists.
“Bundock Street through to Townsville CBD will be widened to four lanes as part of the North Ward Road upgrade project and a new roundabout will be installed at the Oxley Street intersection,” Mr Fraser said.
“As well as the roundabout, the project will focus on improving vehicle turning movements from side streets such as Leichhardt, Wills, and Fryer streets, along with Cleveland Terrace, and removing bottlenecks caused by dual lanes merging into one.”
Mr Fraser said works were on schedule and progressing well, with the second stage of the project nearing completion.
“Sealing works have been completed on the second stage of the works, which will improve the accessibility of the road during the upcoming wet season and improve driving conditions for motorists,” he said.
“Once complete, the project will feature a new memorial park, a signalised pedestrian crossing at Central Primary School and upgraded traffic lights at the Howitt Street intersection.”
Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland and Member for Thuringowa, Craig Wallace, said the upgrade would be of significant benefit to the local community.
“North Ward Road is a major arterial route into the city, the Strand, entertainment centre and Townsville Airport,” Mr Wallace said.
“Upgrading Townsville’s infrastructure is essential to keep pace with the region’s growth while ensuring we maintain the quality of life we all enjoy up here.”
Final works on the North Ward Road upgrade are on track for completion by mid-2009, weather permitting.
Media contact:
Treasurer’s office: (07) 3224 6361
Minister Wallace’s office: (07) 3896 3688
Main Roads’ preparations for North Queensland’s wet season have taken another step forward with stage-two sealing works on the $60 million North Ward Road upgrade now complete.
Treasurer and Acting Main Roads Minister Andrew Fraser visited the North Ward Road project today – just one of the many projects which form part of the state’s $17 billion capital works program.
‘’A total of $767 million will be spent on capital works in the Townsville region during 08-09,’’ he said.
“Those projects support around 5300 jobs – jobs that are essential as the government continues to tackle the economic downturn caused by the global financial crisis.''
Mr Fraser said the North Ward Road was a major access route to the CBD, and the upgrade would reduce congestion and the risk of accidents for motorists.
“Bundock Street through to Townsville CBD will be widened to four lanes as part of the North Ward Road upgrade project and a new roundabout will be installed at the Oxley Street intersection,” Mr Fraser said.
“As well as the roundabout, the project will focus on improving vehicle turning movements from side streets such as Leichhardt, Wills, and Fryer streets, along with Cleveland Terrace, and removing bottlenecks caused by dual lanes merging into one.”
Mr Fraser said works were on schedule and progressing well, with the second stage of the project nearing completion.
“Sealing works have been completed on the second stage of the works, which will improve the accessibility of the road during the upcoming wet season and improve driving conditions for motorists,” he said.
“Once complete, the project will feature a new memorial park, a signalised pedestrian crossing at Central Primary School and upgraded traffic lights at the Howitt Street intersection.”
Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland and Member for Thuringowa, Craig Wallace, said the upgrade would be of significant benefit to the local community.
“North Ward Road is a major arterial route into the city, the Strand, entertainment centre and Townsville Airport,” Mr Wallace said.
“Upgrading Townsville’s infrastructure is essential to keep pace with the region’s growth while ensuring we maintain the quality of life we all enjoy up here.”
Final works on the North Ward Road upgrade are on track for completion by mid-2009, weather permitting.
Media contact:
Treasurer’s office: (07) 3224 6361
Minister Wallace’s office: (07) 3896 3688