- Tender for the construction of the Townsville Connection Road (Idalia), University Road to Bowen Road Bridge awarded
- The project will upgrade the road to dual lanes to meet increased traffic in this area due to residential and commercial growth
- Works are expected to begin in October 2023
Albem Operations Pty Ltd and SGQ Pty Ltd Joint Venture has been awarded the tender to upgrade Townsville Connection Road, with works to begin in October.
The $96m project will upgrade the road, known locally as Stuart Drive, to four lanes between University Road and the Bowen Road Bridge.
The project will include:
- Upgrading Stuart Drive to four lanes between University Road and Bowen Road Bridge.
- A signalised intersection to replace the roundabout at the Townsville Connection Road and Mervyn Crossman Drive/Fairfield Waters Drive intersection.
- Signalising the Gartrell Drive and Kokoda Street intersections to allow safer side street access.
- Safety upgrades for pedestrians and bike riders, including wider paths, better connections, and safer crossings.
The project, fully funded by the Palaszczuk Government, is expected to provide 90 local jobs over the course of the project.
An additional $49.6m was included as part of the 2023–24 State Budget to ensure the full scope of the project is delivered.
The project will see improved traffic flow and safety for motorists, as well as deliver safer crossing and better connections to services for school children and users of the surrounding sporting and shopping precincts.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has consulted with local business, schools and sporting clubs to design and deliver the project since 2015.
Access to Stuart Drive and connecting roads will be maintained throughout the duration of the project with traffic management in place. TMR encourages road users to plan their commutes and allow an extra 10 minutes to arrive at their intended destination.
Quotes attributable to Member for Mundingburra Les Walker:
"I have been fighting and advocating for this project which was a key election commitment for the people of Mundingburra.
"It is fantastic to know work will begin soon after early pre-construction was completed.
"Stuart Drive is a major road connecting the community with nearby sports clubs, schools and shops so this upgrade will ease the traffic and make the road safer for all users.
"As a government we are continuing to invest in upgrading major infrastructure like Stuart Drive because we know how important it is to make our roads safer while also supporting good jobs through construction."
Quotes attributable to the Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:
"The Queensland Government committed to this project at the last election, and we look forward to seeing it being delivered.
"The awarding of this tender is another major milestone in this project, with construction to follow soon.
"With 24,000 vehicles travelling through this area every day, the project will achieve much needed efficiency benefits and reduce congestion and travel time.
"This project will enhance safety for all road users, especially school-aged children who are known to cross this busy road.
"A new shared pathway will also be delivered as part of the project to allow a better connection for pedestrians and bike riders.
"This is another example of the Queensland Government keeping Queenslanders safe on our roads, while also delivering good local jobs to our regions.
