Contracts for Rosslyn Bay boat ramps, Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road upgrades
Works have been awarded to Queensland companies for two major projects in the Capricorn Coast region, with construction due to start soon. See the details.
Rockhampton
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Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga has announced this week contracts have been awarded for two key projects in the region - the Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road upgrade and Rosslyn Bay boat ramp upgrade.
ROCKHAMPTON-YEPPOON ROAD UPGRADES
Work is expected to start soon on the $80 million upgrade and duplication of Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road as the contract has now been awarded.
Civil Mining and Construction Pty Ltd, which has sites in Maryborough, Townsville and a head office in Brisbane, was awarded the contract this month and construction is due to start in mid-2023.
CMC delivered the $14 million Riverslea Bridge as part of the Rookwood Weir works in March 2021.
Works for the Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road include making the entire 35km stretch four lanes, with 5.4km of duplication between Ironpot and Hedlow Creek with 2.5m wide shoulders.
The Iron Pot Road, Cabbage Tree Creek Road and Artillery Road/Dairy Inn Road intersections will be upgraded, hazards removed and 2.5m wide shoulders constructed.
The designs at Artillery Road and Dairy Inn Road include left in and left out access from both side roads and protected right turn lanes in a wide centre median.
The current ‘Access 9’ U-turn point will be removed and more U-turn facilities added, along with upgrades to table drains, channels and culverts.
CMC will work closely with landowners as the works are carried out.
The project is expected to support 90 direct jobs while being carried out.
The Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road has current traffic volumes of 10,700 to 11,600 vehicles per day with 1000 heavy vehicles.
“This project will deliver targeted upgrades, including duplicating sections of Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road increasing route capacity to accommodate future growth in traffic volume through increased economic activity in the region,” Ms Lauga said.
“With the design of this major regional infrastructure project completed, the highly anticipated Yeppoon Road Upgrade project is now one step closer with construction firmly on the horizon.
“These upgrades will mean less congestion, smoother trips and most importantly a safer road.
“We’re delivering more lanes, better intersections and all-round better roads because we know drivers want to spend less time behind the wheel and more time with their loved ones.
“Investing in this significant infrastructure project will improve road safety and support the region by increasing route capacity to accommodate future growth in traffic volume through increased economic activity in the region.”
The Yeppoon Road Upgrade is funded by $64 million from the Australian Government and $16 million from the Queensland Government.
Last month, a staff member at Ms Lauga’s Yeppoon office received an angry phone call from a man who disagreed with the engineers’ designs of the Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road and went on to threaten Ms Lauga’s life.
“Let me be clear: I back the work of the engineers and planners at the Department of Transport and Main Roads and I will not be swayed by a dumb threat from someone with zero experience in designing and engineering roads,” she said at the time.
The threat was referred to the Queensland Police Service and it remains under investigation.
ROSSLYN HARBOUR BOAT RAMP
The contract for the $2.2 million upgrade to the Rosslyn Harbour boat ramps has now been awarded and is expected to be finished by September.
Australian Marine and Civil, which has sites in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns, is currently undertaking the first stage of the project and has now been awarded stage two after a public tender process.
Previous projects for the company include the $1.1m Mackay River Street boat ramp for TMR, the $1.3m Fearnley Street boat ramp in Cairns for TMR, the $1.4m Bundaberg training wall for Gladstone Ports Corporation and breakwalls in Brisbane.
Stage one began in February and included works to improve the boat launching facility, widening the Breakwater Drive boat ramp, addition of a dredged basin and a sheet pile wall between the boat ramp.
Stage two will be the extension of Breakwater Drive floating walkway, installation of 60m of additional berthing pontoons between the two boat ramps and a realignment of the floating walking on the Anchor Drive Boat Ramp to the middle of the ramp.
“Engineers tell me this will provide more space at all tides for boaties to berth during busy periods and while retrieving their car trailers,” Ms Lauga said.
There will also be a design and fabrication phase for the new floating infrastructure and new piles installed before the floating infrastructure is installed at the end of the project.
The project has attracted significant community feedback from local boaties.
The extension of Breakwater Drive ramp floating walkway has been shortened from 60m to 42m and straightened following feedback to allow for easier berthing on both sides.
The boat ramp facilities will remain open for use during the construction, with only partial closures required on occasion.
“More people will be able to get out on the water and enjoy Queensland’s great lifestyle,” Ms Lauga said.
“The overall project is planned for completion in the third quarter of 2023, weather permitting.”
The upgrade works are funded by the Queensland Government’s Maritime Safety Queensland’s Maritime Infrastructure and Investment Program.
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