Townsville Ring Road Stage 5: Work begins on final stage of Bruce Highway upgrade
Work on one of Townsville’s busiest roads is now underway to complete the final stage of a total overhaul of the Bruce Highway through the city.
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WORK on one of Townsville’s busiest roads has started to complete the final stage of a total overhaul of the Bruce Highway through the city.
Plans are in place to duplicate the remaining 6km, two-lane section of the Townsville Ring Road and deliver significant improvements to safety and freight efficiency.
The upgrade will also include major changes to on and off ramps, including the removal of one from Riverway Drive.
The upgrade, which is being completed by the Georgiou Group, is expected to reduce peak-hour congestion on the surrounding network and improve connectivity to Lavarack Barracks, James Cook University and Townsville University Hospital.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the joint federal-state funded project was part of an ongoing commitment to regional Queensland.
“Under the 15-year, $13 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, we are continuing to invest in safety, flood resilience and capacity upgrades along the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cairns,” Mr Joyce said.
State Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said the entire Townsville Ring Road would be a dual-lane carriageway by 2023.
He said the project would create thousands of vital jobs and opportunities for contractors and suppliers in the region.
“While a range of specialised goods and services will be required to deliver the TRR5 project, TMR and principal contractor Georgiou are committed to using the people, goods and services available in the region,” Mr Harper said.
”More than 17,000 vehicles use this section of the Townsville Ring Road each day, 12 per cent of which are freight vehicles.”
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson said improving safety and efficiency was key on the route.
“This upgrade is going to make daily commutes shorter, boost our economy by getting freight to and through our city more quickly, and create much-needed local jobs during construction,” Mr Thompson said.
State Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the upgrade would ensure the Bruce Highway had the capacity to accommodate the crowing city.
“TRR5 will provide a huge boost to the Townsville region’s economy over the next few years,” Mr Bailey said.
”This investment is estimated to support nearly 400 direct jobs at a time when North Queensland needs them most.
“It’s part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $27.5 billion, four-year roads and transport investment plan to support 24,000 jobs, which is helping drive Queensland’s economic recovery from Covid-19.”
The Australian government has committed $184m towards the TRR5, while the state government has contributed $46m.
The project is expected to be complete in 2023, weather permitting.
Originally published as Townsville Ring Road Stage 5: Work begins on final stage of Bruce Highway upgrade
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