QLD government calls out for Ring Road tenders as Yeppoon Rd roadworks start

Roadworks are set to begin on the notorious stretch, but it could be some time before double laning works begin.

Roadworks will begin on the Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road after State Government decided to accelerate construction of this project, however duplications works may not begin until the coming years.

This news come as the Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade is nearing completion and the Ring Road is edging closer to construction, as part of the state government’s $27.5 billion roads and transport plan which is expected to create 24,000 jobs.

MAP: Rockhampton Ring Road

Transport and Main Roads minister Mark Bailey said this $5 million project will focus on upgrading high-priority sections of Yeppoon Road to deliver improved safety, travel times and reliability, as well as creating jobs.

“Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road plays an important role in supporting defence, forestry, freight, tourism and commuter traffic demands in the region,” he said.

Up to 11,149 vehicles use the road daily, including 1394 heavy vehicles.

“Over the next four years the state government is delivering a record $27.5 billion roads and transport plan which is creating 24,000 jobs and driving Queensland economic recovery from COVID-19.

“This includes delivering $17.5 billion worth of project across regional Queensland.”

He said motorists would experience changed traffic conditions along the section until early next year, when the project was expected to be completed.

“Traffic control and speed restrictions will be in place from this month and motorists are encouraged to drive safely through the work zone, which may include sidetracks at times,” he said.

“I thank all road users in advance for their patience.”

Keppel MP Brittany Lauga said the works would occur along a 3.7-kilometre section between Baga National Park and the Oaks Caltex Service Station.

“It will include replacing existing road or rehabilitating sections as required, as well as applying a new sealing treatment to improve quality,” she said.

“Preliminary works were completed in January 2021, including geotechnical investigations, survey of existing public utilities and services.

“But I’m pleased to say further work is now getting underway.

She said the state government will deliver the $80 million duplication ‘over the coming years’.

The project will deliver targeted upgrades between Ironpot and Hedlow Creek.

“Online community consultation was completed last August, and targeted consultation was completed this year to understand the Central Queensland communities’ priorities for the Yeppoon Road Upgrade,” she said.

TMR is only in the early stages of developing the duplications' project design, incorporating community feedback. TMR expects to share a proposed design with the community later this year.

Ring Road suppliers

This news come as the Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade is nearing completion and the Ring Road is edging closer to construction, as part of the state government’s $27.5 billion roads and transport plan which is expected to create 24,000 jobs.

“Today we held a meeting to assist potential suppliers to understand what they need to do to get work on the job,” Mr Bailey said.

First look at the Rockhampton Ring Road design.

“The Rockhampton Ring Road is the biggest infrastructure project to ever be delivered in Central Queensland and will support an average of 783 direct jobs.

“While the $194 million Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade, which is almost finished, supported 261 direct jobs.

“The best way the state government can deliver these major infrastructure projects is through collaborating with industry and proactively highlighting opportunities for local businesses to participate.”

A map of the Rockhampton Ring Road from the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Rockhampton MP Barry O’Rourke said they need supply materials, labour hire, traffic management, drilling and piling services, fencing, cleaning and security services, accommodation, fuel, and vehicle maintenance for the projects.

“We want contractors and suppliers in Central Queensland to reap the economic rewards when the state government delivers the Rockhampton Ring Road project,” he said.