Queens Road works in Hervey Bay to finish in February 2023

Roadworks on a major thoroughfare from Hervey Bay’s CBD to the Esplanade are taking longer than expected. Here’s why.

Reconstruction works on a major access road to Hervey Bay’s CBD and Esplanade are expected to finish in February next year.

The Queens Rd upgrade and main water works project started in February 2022 and were expected to be completed by September.

During this time, traffic has been restricted to one lane travelling south from Torquay Rd to Boat Harbour Dr.

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As part of the works, a section of Queens Rd is being rebuilt and the water main is also being replaced.

Works on Queens Rd in Hervey Bay are expected to be finished by February 2023.

However, a council spokesperson said on Tuesday that this year’s wet weather events, along with material supply issues, have pushed back the completion date to early next year.

“The local contractors completing the Queens Road work have faced many challenges including significant periods of wet weather, unsuitable subgrade due to the high volume of rain, and major quarry material supply issues,” a spokesperson said.

“While the contractors had originally planned to complete the works by September, the combination of all these challenges has meant they now expect to complete the project by February 2023, weather permitting.

“Council apologises for the inconvenience and thanks everyone for their patience and understanding while these important works are underway.”

The project also includes excavation and earthworks, kerb replacements and ramps, line marking, turphing and asphalt surfacing.

In a council statement in February, councillor David Lee said the project was identified as part of the council’s “road reconstruction prioritisation process” due its poor condition.

“Council considered feedback from residents as part of the prioritisation process,” Mr Lee said in a statement.

“It is a good time to replace the ageing water main while the road is being dug up.”

The project was awarded to JAC Civil and expected to cost about $1.9m, the council statement said.