An $8.3 million upgrade of Mount Isa intersections starts this month.
Nine intersections on the Barkly Highway, from Abel Smith Parade to Camooweal Street, will receive safety upgrades under the jointly funded Northern Australia Roads Program (NARP).
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the NARP identified high priority road upgrades to support economic development.
"The Barkly Highway is a crucial economic route for not only Queensland but Australia, transporting significant resources from the mining, agricultural and logistics industries in North West Queensland to the export ports, domestic markets and freight routes along the Queensland coast," Mr McCormack said.
"The upgrades will enable safer interactions for local traffic, and also improve urban amenity and connectivity."
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the urban section of the Barkly Highway had a concerning crash history at the intersections to be upgraded.
"This project will improve safety for all road users – including heavy vehicles, general traffic, tourist vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians," Mr Bailey said
"These upgrades will make a substantial improvement to the Mount Isa road network and are an important part of our plans to improve 20 Mount Isa intersections by 2020."
Minister for Northern Australia Matt Canavan said an average of 25 direct jobs will be supported over the life of the project.
"By investing in local roads we are helping create jobs and make local roads safer," Minister Canavan said.
"The $600 million Northern Australia Roads Program is delivering upgrades to high priority roads in Northern Australia that are essential to the movement of people and freight in support of the North's economic development."
BMD Constructions Pty Ltd has been awarded the construction contract.
Works are expected to be completed in December, weather permitting.
The $8.3 million Mount Isa intersection upgrades are jointly funded, 80% by the Australian Government and 20% by the Queensland Government.
