Works are now underway on the $230 million Townsville Ring Road stage five project along Queensland’s Bruce Highway.
The project will duplicate the remaining six-kilometre, two lane sections of the Townsville Ring Road between Vickers Bridge and Shaw Road, improving the safety and freight efficiency for vehicles travelling through Townsville.
A new interchange at Beck Drive, with new on and off ramps will also support motorists moving through Townsville. There will also be a duplication of bridges at Bohle and Little Bohle Rivers, as well as overpass bridges at Beck Drive and Hervey Range Road.
In August 2020, Georgiou AECOM consortium was awarded the contract to design and construct the project.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the project demonstrated the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to regional Queensland.
“Under the 15-year, $13 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, we are continuing to invest in safety, flood resilience and capacity upgrades along the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cairns,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Queensland Government to deliver the long-term infrastructure needed to ensure continued economic growth in the Townsville and surrounding region,” he added.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the project would help support the growing Townsville region.
“Townsville Ring Road Stage 5 will provide a huge boost to the Townsville region’s economy over the next few years,” Bailey said.
“This investment is estimated to support nearly 400 direct jobs at a time when North Queensland needs them most.”
The project will provide an improved motorist’s experience for the 17,000 vehicles which use the section each day.
The project is expected to be completed in 2023.
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