Tender process starts for $1B Rockhampton Ring Road project

The Rockhampton Ring Roa will link the Bruce Highway through Rockhampton. Image courtesy of TMR.

Pre-qualified contractors are now invited by Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads to tender on the much-anticipated, $1.065 billion, Rockhampton Ring Road project.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the start of the tendering process signalled construction was firmly on the horizon.

“After almost four years of planning and design, the Rockhampton Ring Road is one step closer with construction tendering under way,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

The new 14.7-kilometre ring road will be delivered with a total of 17.4 kilometres of new road being 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.

Planning for the Rockhampton Ring Road is complete with the business case for the road construction project assessed by Infrastructure Australia. The detailed design phase has started. Jacobs SMEC Design Joint Venture has been appointed to deliver the detailed design.

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the construction of the Rockhampton Ring Road would boost the Central Queensland economy and transform the regional road network.

“The Palaszczuk Government is delivering big for Central Queensland, through our record $27.5 billion roads and transport plan,” Mr Bailey said.

“Of this, nearly $1.8 billion in projects is being delivered in the Fitzroy and Central West districts.

The Rockhampton Ring Road is the biggest infrastructure project to be delivered in the region, and will support about 783 long-term jobs in the area.

“Today is a major milestone with the construction tendering process starting as well as a targeted industry briefing to inform major construction companies of the scope and delivery strategy,” Minister Bailey said.

Due to its size and complexity, the project will be delivered in two packages.

“Tendering will be a multi-stage process and will see Transport and Main Roads collaborate with potential proponents to ensure the best outcomes for the project and community,” Minister Bailey said.

It is expected the successful contractors will be appointed in mid to late 2022.

A local contractor industry briefing was held in Rockhampton in August to inform local contractors and suppliers about the work opportunities. More than 160 participants attended that briefing.

The Rockhampton Ring Road project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, with the Australian Government contributing $852 million and the Queensland Government contributing $213 million.

Further details are available at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/RockhamptonRingRoad.