$19M Capricorn Highway works underway for new overtaking lanes

Works have begun on six new overtaking lanes on the Capricorn Highway, between Rockhampton and Emerald.

The works were awarded to a Queensland based business, CMC Group and are expected to support more than 60 jobs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the $19 million project would improve safety and support industry in the region.

“The Capricorn Highway is a nationally significant freight route, connecting the Bruce Highway in the east and the Landsborough Highway in the west,” Mr. McCormack said.

He said the addition of six overtaking lanes will increase freight efficiency for key regional industries such as mining, agriculture and tourism.

Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said the new jobs would benefit a wide cross section of the community.

“The jobs will not just assist local businesses, but also families and job seekers,” Mr. O’Dowd said.

“Once the project is completed in early 2021, high-risk overtaking manoeuvres on the highway will be far less common, leading to a lower risk of head-on crashes and improved safety.”

The $19 million Capricorn Highway Overtaking Lanes Project is jointly funded with the Federal Government providing $15.2 million and the Queensland Government committing $3.8 million.

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