$251.7m Walkerston bypass to open in “late 2024”
After more than a decade of planning, arguing, and funding woes work on the $251.7m Walkerston bypass road is almost done. See the drone footage.
Mackay
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After more than two years of digging, jack hammering and paving, the much-promised Walkerston bypass is nearing completion.
The bypass has cost the government $251.7m (a big jump from the $186.6m quoted in 2022) and includes a new bridge over Bakers Creek and overpasses to lift Peak Downs Hwy traffic above local roads and cane train tracks.
Labor candidate for Mackay Belinda Hassan said the Walkerston bypass would support the region “for generations to come”.
“This is a big project for the Mackay region, that will benefit our industries and communities alike,” Ms Hassan said.
The state government estimates the bypass will be fully completed by “late 2024”.
Once opened, the 10.4km Walkerston bypass will become the designated B-double route for Bowen Basin mining traffic coming into Mackay, and will improve safety for Walkerston residents by removing heavy vehicles from their school and business zones.
Child Safety minister Charise Mullen said more than 600,000 cubic metres of earth was shifted from cuts to fill areas during construction.
“Over 170,000 tonnes of foam bitumen pavements have been laid throughout the 10.4km alignment,” Ms Mullen said.
In September, motorists got their first taste of the new bypass when traffic was moved onto a 700m section of the bypass near Greenmount to allow for easier construction of some local service roads.
The bypass begins on the Peak Downs Hwy west of Walkerston and connects directly with the Mackay Ring Road near Paget.
It’s been a bumpy ride to completion for the bypass, which was making news all the way back in 2006 when cane farmers expressed concerns about the government’s plans.
For more information about this project, visit: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/walkerston-bypass.
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