The $120.35 million jointly funded Mackay Northern Access Upgrade (MNAU) project has hit a new milestone with traffic switches on the Bruce Highway north of Ron Camm Bridge.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said this project is another example of Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen's determination to deliver for the people of this region, to make sure the infrastructure they need and deserve is funded and delivered.
"This is another example of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government's record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan in action, helping to connect communities and improve safety, while creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"The Federal Government is investing over $10 billion in a safer, smoother and more reliable Bruce Highway. This will benefit Queenslanders, from Brisbane to Cairns, on this key north-south route."
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the upgrade is progressing well, and once complete will improve travel times north of Mackay.
"This stretch of road plays a key role in linking Mackay to Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Townsville and beyond, and will help the freight industry thrive," Mr Bailey said.
"Over the next four years the Palaszczuk Government is delivering a record $27.5 billion roads and transport plan which is creating 24,000 jobs and driving Queensland economic recovery from COVID-19.
"This includes delivering $17.5 billion worth of project across regional Queensland."
Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said the project would improve traffic flow at the Northern Entrance to the city and through to the Northern Beaches of Mackay.
"This project has supported up to 150 local jobs over the past eighteen months, and the improvements under way here will help improve traffic flow at this approach to the Bruce Highway and the Mackay-Bucasia Road intersection which takes traffic out to the Northern Beaches," Mr Christensen said.
"When complete, we will all be able to enjoy reduced travel times to and from the city as well as safer conditions from improved roads."
State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said it was great to see so much progress on a project that is supporting the local community when it needs it most.
"Works have now been completed on three of the six new bridges and traffic was switched on to the new bridges at Gooseponds Creek, Davey Street and Janes Creek to allow further bridge construction," Mrs Gilbert said.
"The intersection of Bruce Highway and Hill End Road closed on Monday (23 August) to start safety upgrades. Works at this intersection will continue until late September.
"Residents will have access to Hill End Road via Bald Hill Road, Davey Street and Heaths Road, and other detours are in place for the wider community via Glendaragh Road.
"As with all road works, these works are short-term interruptions for motorists and residents, but they'll soon be able to enjoy the full benefits of the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade when it's completed.
"Over the next four years, the Palaszczuk Government will be delivering more than $1 billion worth of transport and roads projects in the Mackay Whitsundays district, estimated to support 1,250 local jobs, driving Queensland's economic recovery from COVID-19."
Works started in April 2020 and are due to be completed by mid to late 2022.
