The highly anticipated Gympie bypass has moved a step closer, with the first sod turned today at the Woondum interchange.
A contract was recently awarded to a Bielby BMD joint venture to deliver upgrades from Woondum through to Veteran as part of the Bruce Highway - Cooroy to Curra Section D project.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said meticulous planning had been required to prepare for this vital infrastructure upgrade.
"This first contract will deliver 12 kilometres of dual-lane, divided highway between the Woondum interchange and Sandy Creek Road in Veteran," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"It also includes two new interchanges at Penny Road and Gympie Connection Road, along with 23 new bridges over local waterways, roads and the North Coast Rail Line.
"The project will reduce the number and severity of crashes and will meet current design standards to provide a safer road environment.
"To ensure seamless connectivity with existing roads, there will also be about 5.5 kilometres of local road realignments and upgrades to existing intersections.
"More than six million cubic metres of earth from cuts will be moved to fill and bring the new highway to a level where it will be able to withstand a one-in-100-year flood.
"We are investing in our post-pandemic future by delivering lasting infrastructure which will kick-start our economic recovery and benefit Australians for years to come."
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey welcomed the occasion and said not only would the project build a new highway to improve freight efficiency and connectivity through the Wide Bay, but it would also build job opportunities and economic stimulus, as part of Queensland's plan for economic recovery.
"The Gympie Bypass will be an economic lifeblood for the region for the next four years, creating about 576 jobs - and I encourage local businesses and workers to put their hand up and get involved," Mr Bailey said.
"We committed to building this now more than ever - with global economies bearing the brunt of COVID-19 - Queenslanders need jobs."
