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New funding for Mackay Northern Access upgrade, QLD

The Federal Government has announced $9.2 million to go towards the development phase of the $80 million Mackay Northern Access upgrade on Queensland’s Bruce Highway.

The Federal Government has announced $9.2 million to go towards the development phase of the $80 million Mackay Northern Access upgrade on Queensland’s Bruce Highway.The Federal Government has announced $9.2 million to go towards the development phase of the $80 million Mackay Northern Access upgrade on Queensland’s Bruce Highway.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the project would complete the freight link between the Bruce Highway and the Mackay Ring Road (Stage 1) project, improving safety and reducing travel times.

“This upgrade will see new lanes added along 4.4 kilometres of the Bruce Highway and intersection upgrades to create safer overtaking opportunities and reduce the volume rear-end crashes in particular,” Mr. Chester said.

“The Mackay Northern Access upgrade is part of $6.7 billion 10-year Bruce Highway Upgrade Program that is saving and improving lives on Queensland’s key north-south route.”

Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said the Mackay Northern Access upgrade would enhance the link from the Mackay Ring Road to the Port of Mackay.

“Activities to be funded with this tranche of funding include tender evaluation and contract award, geotechnical investigations, detailed design work, public consultation, utility relocation and land acquisition,” Mr. Christensen said.

“Land acquisition and geotechnical investigations are expected to be completed by the end of 2017, allowing for the completion of detailed design and tendering in mid-2018 which will pave the way for construction to commence late 2018, weather permitting.”

The Mackay Northern Access Upgrade is being jointly funded, with the Australian Government contributing up to $64 million and the Queensland Government contributing $16 million towards the $80 million project.

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