Road upgrade to boost safety and improve access south of Mackay

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister has joined Queensland Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt in Mackay today to turn the first sod on an $14.4 million project that will boost safety and improve road access on Mackay’s southern entrance.

Mr Albanese and Mr Pitt were joined by Member for Dawson James Bidgood and Mackay mayor Cr Col Meng at the sod-turning for the four-laning of the Bruce Highway between Boundary Road and Farrellys Lane.

The project marks the first stage of the three-stage, $50 million upgrade of the Bruce Highway between Bakers Creek and the City Gates, which will include the widening of the road from two to four lanes.

Stage one will create 96 much-needed jobs for the Mackay area.

“The Bruce Highway–Farrellys Lane intersection currently services the major industrial area of Paget to the east via Farrellys Lane, as well as the growing residential area of Ooralea to the west via Schmidtkes Road,’’ Mr Albanese said.

“This project will improve access to the two expanding areas as well as improve safety for motorists travelling on this section of the Bruce Highway.

“Paget is also a strategically important area for Mackay as it provides good access for the mining sector via the Peak Downs Highway.”

Chevron Construction Company has been awarded the contract for the work, which is expected to be completed by the end of November 2009.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the section of road carried about 16,000 vehicles a day, with 12 per cent of those being heavy vehicles.

“Widening the road will provide two extra 3.5-metre inbound lanes with a two-metre shoulder, separated from the existing outbound lanes by a raised median.

“Signals will also be installed at the intersection to help manage traffic and it will cater for over-dimensional vehicles turning into the industrial areas to the east.”

Mr Pitt said local council works on Farrellys Lane, which is part of the local government road system, were being carried out and would complement the intersection works.

“Council works include traffic signals at the intersection of Diesel Drive plus road widening to provide two 3.5-metre lanes with a one-metre shoulder in each direction.”

Mackay Regional Council is contributing $5.8 million towards the project.

“This is a great example of what can be achieved when the three spheres of government work collaboratively and co-operate,” Mr Pitt said.

Media enquiries: Mr Albanese’s Office – Jeff Singleton 0410 476 890

Mr Pitt’s Office – (07) 3227 8819