The Australian and Queensland governments have committed an investment of $25 million to fund the upgrade of Flinders Highway between Hughenden and Cloncurry.
The Australian Government has approved $20 million towards to upgrade, which includes the rehabilitation and widening of approximately 24 kilometres, with the rest coming from the Queensland Government.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said in a statement that the project will prepare the highway for predicted increase in freight demand from high value export industries and improve freight efficiency, economic productivity and highway safety.
“The Flinders Highway is a critical link in the supply chains serving the North West and North East Mineral Provinces and is a key strategic link serving communities and supporting economic development in northern Australia,” he said.
Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey also said in the statement that sections of the highway pavement between Hughenden and Cloncurry was in extremely poor condition.
“The inadequate pavement conditions could be attributed to the continual increase in commercial vehicle traffic demands and also the age of the road, as many sections of the highway are more than 40 years old,” Mr. Bailey said.
“The Flinders Highway is at a point where urgent intervention is required to bring it up to an acceptable standard.”
This project is being funded under the Australian Government’s $228 million National Highway Upgrade Program, of which Queensland will receive $49 million over four years.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2016 and finish in early 2017.