Gregory Highway freight efficiency upgrades on track

The $25.5 million project to improve freight efficiency on the Gregory Highway in Central Queensland is underway.

Two heavy vehicle stopping places north of Capella have already been completed and the Gregory Highway and Retro Corry Road intersection upgrade was completed earlier in January.

Works to deliver a new decoupling site, as well as the Emerald Downs Road intersection and connecting overtaking lane are on-track for completion in March this year.

Likewise, nine kilometres of widening works between Capella and Clermont is expected to be finished in March.

Further upgrades to be delivered as part of the project include the Cotherstone Road intersection, another overtaking lane south of Capella and culvert replacements at Retreat Cree and Theresa Creek overflows.

The project is jointly funded by the Federal and Queensland governments under round four of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.

The upgrade to the highway between Emerald and Clermont will deliver a series of new intersections, lane widening and overtaking lanes.

“Industry in this region is set to grow substantially in coming years and these upgrades will allow Type 2 road trains to use this road safely and efficiently,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester in a statement. “They will also ensure the needs of the agri-business, mining and construction industries are met so we can get goods to market in a competitive manner.”

The Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program is providing $288 million for projects across Australia through until 2019.