New $32 million pavement widening works on Queensland’s Bruce Highway near Rockhampton will begin soon, following the announcement of the successful tenderer for the contract.
WHBO Infrastructure has been awarded the contract to undertake the safety works between Bajool and Midgee, south of Rockhampton.
It is one of four project’s being undertaken as part of the Caboolture to St Lawrence pavement widening package, aimed at improving safety at high-risk locations along the Bruce Highway.
Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said the investment would rebuild rough, potholed or corrugated sections of highway and upgrade intersections to separate turning vehicles from highway traffic.
“It’s great to see the next milestone being delivered on this important project for local residents, who are well aware of the dangers of this section of road. We’ve listened to their concerns and are acting to improve the driving experience along this busy section of the National Highway,” Mr. O’Dowd said.
State Member for Mirani Jim Pearce said in the past, turning traffic would sit stationary on the highway before turning into the side road, causing serious safety issues and putting lives at risk.
“Turning vehicles will soon have their own lane while highway traffic can safely continue along uninterrupted. This is a high-speed, high-volume section of road, and what we want to do is minimise the chance of an accident or fatality,” Mr. Pearce said.
The project is expected to be completed by mid-2018.
In addition to the $32 million safety upgrades between Bajool and Midgee, three other pavement widening and safety projects in the Rockhampton region have started will start shortly. Works are expected to be completed over the next 12 months and include:
– $2.8 million for safety and intersection upgrades at South Ulam Road (Bajool) and Gentle Annie Road (Raglan)
– $6.7 million for widening, reconstruction and intersection upgrades from Miriam Vale to Bororen
– $5.2 million for safety works and an intersection upgrade at Atkinson Road, Raspberry Creek Road and Kooltrandra Road north of Rockhampton
The pavement widening and safety works are funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments based on an 80:20 funding share.