Ipswich City Council forced to take over Redbank road project as contractor goes bust

A long-delayed Ipswich road upgrade is still on track to open by Christmas despite the collapse of a construction company, the mayor says.

Construction work on a road in Ipswich’s eastern suburbs has recommenced after council were forced to take back ownership of the project. Picture: Ipswich City Council.

The long-delayed Redbank Plains Rd upgrade is still on track to open by Christmas despite the collapse of a construction company, the mayor says.

Massive population growth has made traffic on the key connecting road so bad in recent years it was one of the top issues in the March council election.

Mayor Teresa Harding told Queensland Times on Friday, May 10, that the upgrade was still on track to open this December despite setbacks including the liquidation of contractor Allroads.

Cr Harding said widening Redbank Plains Rd to four lanes was now in its final stage, with council crews currently working between Keidges Rd and Kruger Pde.

“The upgrade of Redbank Plains Rd remains on track after Council took back responsibility for completing the upgrade in February after head contractor Allroads was placed in liquidation,’’ she said.

“Minor earthworks for stormwater drainage installation and upgrades from Morgan St to Barry Drive is taking place, as well as footpath reinstatement work.

“Council is in the process of engaging a specialist contractor to complete the significant concrete works required to build the central median barrier between the new northbound and southbound carriageways.

“This will be the next major visible milestone in coming months.

“Local civil construction company NARIC Civil has been engaged to complete the majority of the outstanding surface works, this includes concrete kerb, footpath and pram ramps among other site activities.

“Other local suppliers such as Hewitt’s Plumbing and Walkers Turf Supply have also been engaged, as has Downer Group (formerly RPQ Asphalt) to undertake the road surfacing works”.

Council's CEO said in April that any increase in cost was not yet clear. Picture: Ipswich City Council.

The road widening project, in Ipswich’s east, began in August 2022 and formed part of the council’s 10-year Transport Infrastructure Plan.

The lack of progress in the project has affected motorists along the busy stretch between the city’s eastern suburbs and the Ipswich Mwy at Goodna.

Key features of the detailed design for Redbank Plains Rd Stage 3. Picture: Ipswich City Council.

In February, Council issued a show cause notice to principal contractor Allroads but it failed to respond within the required seven-day period.

Council then advised Allroads that it would be taking back ownership of the project, on March 1, three days before the company went into administration.

Allroads, founded in 2009, folded owing $24 million to 721 creditors, with reports of multiple subcontractors and suppliers walking off sites due to unpaid bills.

Construction work on the $11.7 million project recommenced in April after a pause in on-site activity following the financial difficulties of Allroads.

Ipswich City Council has said that its crews had been present since early March to make the site safe.

Council crews would remain on site while Dinmore-based company NARIC Civil completed the project.