Central QLD prepares for its biggest infrastructure project

Central Queensland is preparing for its biggest infrastructure project to date, the $1 billion Rockhampton Ring Road, with the state’s Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey this week holding meetings with potential suppliers to the project.

With an $800 million funding committed from the Federal Government and another $200 million from the Queensland Government, the project aims to deliver a new 14.7 kilometre ring road with a total of 17.4 kilometres of new road to be constructed.

The ring road will link the Bruce Highway through Rockhampton extending from the Capricorn Highway (Nelson Street), to Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road/Bruce Highway intersection and will include a new crossing of the Fitzroy River at Pink Lily.

Minister Bailey said the project would create extensive opportunities for local contractors, after many benefited from the Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade, which is nearing completion.

Rockhampton Ring Road - design map — Rockhampton Ring Road – design map

“Over the next four years the Palaszczuk Government is delivering a record $27.5 billion roads and transport plan which is creating 24,000 jobs and driving Queensland economic recovery from COVID-19,” Mr Bailey said.

“A key part of this record investment is working with local contractors and suppliers to build a strong and diverse economy.”

The Rockhampton Ring Road project is expected to support an average of 783 direct jobs. In comparison, the $194 million Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade, which is almost finished, supported 261 direct jobs.

Jacobs SMEC Design Joint Venture has been appointed to deliver the detailed design for the project, with the design already gone through community review. Construction for the project is expected to commence in 2022 and run until 2026.

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the Rockhampton Ring Road project would boost local businesses in the city.

“With construction kicking off next year, we’ll need materials, workers, traffic management, drilling and piling services, fencing, cleaning and security services, accommodation, fuel and vehicle maintenance,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“We want contractors and suppliers in Central Queensland to reap the economic rewards when the Palaszczuk Government delivers the Rockhampton Ring Road project.”

The Bruce Highway is Queensland’s major north-south freight and commuter corridor, connecting coastal population centres from Brisbane to Cairns over 1,677 kilometres.

The existing Bruce Highway through Rockhampton is one of the last remaining pinch points between Brisbane and Cairns, with 19 sets of traffic signals to navigate.

Traffic volumes on the Bruce Highway in Central Queensland range from 2,600 vehicles per day in rural sections to 35,000 vehicles per day in urban centres.

For more information about the project, click here.