Another construction milestone has been reached on the Mackay Ring Road project with work starting on the Peak Downs Highway overpass.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the Peak Downs Highway overpass would remove traffic from the urban section of the Bruce Highway, particularly along Nebo Road.
“The Peak Downs Highway overpass is the largest of the 13 bridges and overpasses included in the 11.3-kilometre project and today’s start of pile works is a major step forward,” Mr McCormack said.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the Mackay Ring Road was a major component of the 10-year Bruce Highway Upgrade Program – $8.5 billion worth of works to lift the highway’s safety and capacity levels from Brisbane to Cairns.
“The Peak Downs Highway overpass is one of the main access points to the Mackay Ring Road and will pave the way for the construction of entry and exit ramps,” Mr Bailey said.
Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said the start of works marked another milestone for the project and would support traffic flow along the Peak Downs Highway and cane industry railway access to the Mackay Sugar Racecourse Mill.
“The overpass’s clearance height of 5.5 metres will ensure oversize vehicles and equipment can continue to be transported along the highway, west to the Bowen Basin and east to the Racecourse Mill and Mackay,” Mr Christensen said.
Queensland Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said there would be minor traffic delays along the Peak Downs Highway, from 11 April to 16 April between Peri Road and Horse and Jockey Road while the piles that will support the overpass are lifted into place.
“Although the Peak Downs Highway will remain open to traffic, motorists should exercise caution and allow extra time as we get on with delivering this major project which is expected to support up to 534 jobs,” Ms Gilbert said.
The $497.3 million Bruce Highway—Mackay Ring Road—Stage 1 project is scheduled for completion by early 2020, weather permitting.
The project is jointly funded with the Australian Government committing up to $397.9 million and the Queensland Government committing up to $99.4 million.