Safety upgrade for busy Mackay cane route

A major cane route in the Mackay–Whitsunday region will be widened in a $2.6 million upgrade to improve safety for motorists, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.

Mr Pitt said a 3.5-kilometre section of Marian–Hampden Road would be upgraded to cater for the increasing volume of heavy vehicles servicing the cane-growing areas.

"The project will improve safety by providing a wider, smoother surface for all road users," Mr Pitt said.

"Marian–Hampden Road connects Mackay–Eungella Road with the Bruce Highway north of Mackay and caters for the local cane industry.

"This route forms part of the heavy vehicle alternative route to bypass Mackay or connect to the Peak Downs Highway and the Bowen Basin hinterlands west of Mackay."

Mr Pitt said Main Roads' commercial arm RoadTek North would start work on the project next month (February) and it was due for completion by the end of June 2009, weather permitting.

"The first stage finished a few years ago and this project will complete widening of the total length of the road,” Mr Pitt said.

"The project includes widening Marian–Hampden Road to 9.8 metres, with two 3.5-metre traffic lanes and two 1.5-metre shoulders.”

Kerbing and guardrail will also be replaced as part of the project.

Mr Pitt said Main Roads had undertaken extensive community consultation for the works, including with Mackay Regional Council, the transport industry, Mackay Sugar, Indigenous groups, adjacent landowners, service authorities and other community stakeholders.