Construction on $1B Rockhampton Ring Road to start in 2023

The Federal and Queensland governments have reached an agreement to get the first phase of construction for the Rockhampton Ring Road started in 2023, following the early works currently underway.

The agreement enables a $280 million package of construction works to kick off next year, including upgrades to several connecting roads, including Boundary Road, McLaughlin Street, Monier Road Overpass, and the Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road intersection.

It will also provide a connection for the future project to West Rockhampton, which will include an upgrade to Lion Creek Bridge and connections to local roads.

The package of works represents the start of a new construction phase for the project, and follows several months of close cooperation between the two governments to assess the best way to get the project moving.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the Federal Government had remained committed to the project, and was pleased to see the new funding agreement reached.

“The Albanese Government is committed to Central Queensland, which is why the federal budget delivered $200 million in new funding for the Bruce Highway between Rockhampton and Gladstone, and $400 million in new funding for beef and cattle corridors which will include roads in Central Queensland,” she said.

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“Our budget also delivered another $400 million towards the Inland Freight Route, the second Bruce Highway – taking the total to $800 million, plenty of which will go towards key roads in Central Queensland.”

State Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said: “I haven’t stopped fighting to bring the start date for major construction forward, so this new agreement between the State and Federal Governments is exciting to see.

“I want to see this project support as many local workers and contractors as possible, and this new agreement secures that.”

State Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the support of local jobs and contractors would be a brilliant outcome for the community.

“The works are part of a huge infrastructure pipeline in Central Queensland, which includes the $80 million Rockhampton – Yeppoon Road upgrade, and the $19 million upgrade of Rockhampton – Emu Park Road, with construction on both projects just around the corner,” she said.

“This means there is work on the way for our local contractors, and suppliers, and the project will be supporting jobs over the next 12 months.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said that O’Rourke and Lauga had been strongly advocating for the project to get underway as soon as possible.

“Both the State and Federal governments remain committed to the project and this new agreement is a very clear sign of that,” he said.

“I’d like to once against acknowledge the work Barry and Brittany have been doing behind the scenes to get work going on this project, our new plans wouldn’t be anywhere near as advanced as they are without their advocacy and hard work.”

Construction on the Rockhampton Ring Road is expected to start in 2023.

For more information, visit: www.tmr.qld.gov.au