The Precinct’s businesses welcome road duplication progress but want changes
Excited by the progress on the Stuart Rd duplication, The Precinct’s businesses need help to recover after a trading downturn. Get the latest update on the project.
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Excited to see roadworks progressing on the Stuart Drive duplication, neighbouring businesses have reassured the community that they continue to trade, despite challenges created by the project.
Construction started in December 2023 on the $96 million Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), which will connect University Rd to where the Bowen Road Bridge was being duplicated since July 2024 at a cost of nearly $100 million.
Located next to Stuart Drive, businesses in the popular dining and retail complex The Precinct have highlighted their challenges including inclement weather and road disruptions, which made access to the centre more difficult.
A Precinct spokesman said they were “extraordinarily happy” about the progression in creating a new dual-lane road stretching past their centre.
“We know it’s been tough for our customers to navigate the area during the works, especially through the wet season, but we’re seeing great progress now,” he said.
Given that some businesses suffered revenue declines, The Precinct invited locals and visitors to come and see the progress first-hand, enjoy the products on offer, and support local businesses as they moved into the next exciting new chapter.
Otto’s Market Precinct owner Don Peel urged Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to support the centre by installing clear, visible signage to promote the businesses and guide people to the centre more easily, and to consider running a promotional campaign to help businesses “regain lost ground”.
Getta Betta operations manager Rob Aumend said their Precinct coffee and burger store, which was still in its infancy after opening last July, had recorded a 35 per cent decline in coffee sales due to traffic disruptions and access issues.
“The problem with the road works for this brand is that you can go from one day to the next, and you can’t even travel on the same road that you did the day before,” Mr Aumend said.
“If they’re short on time, and it’s difficult for them to get in and out of that area, they go somewhere else.
“Many people are going around that whole issue to get into the CBD, so instead of going down Bowen Road … they’re going right the way around, because it’s just too challenging to know what’s going to happen to you in the traffic.”
He requested increased communication from TMR updating them on the project, particularly timelines, and also to look at potential compensation for businesses when its “access roads were under duress”.
“Why do (TMR) care so much about highway road closures for two days, but no one assesses what the local impact is (from this project)?” he asked.
At The Precinct for the past four years, Angelfish Dragonfly baby and children’s boutique founder Angelene Bourne was unsure when the road project would be completed, saying “it seems to be taking forever”.
She was concerned about the congestion, traffic lights, schoolchildren having trouble crossing the road, and the ever changing access and exit points.
“I know we’ve had an unusually large wet season however if they can build/ fix a bridge in a few weeks to keep infrastructure moving on the Bruce Highway then they should put more manpower to this and just get it done,” Ms Bourne said.
“Our sales have gone down despite moving to a prime location at the front of the building last year in September. It’s been a massive struggle to stay here.
“I do all my own marketing so I am not sitting back waiting for customers to just magically appear but … why advertise too much if people get put off by the roadworks?”
One of the Precinct’s franchisee’s also expressed concerns about the impact of the roadworks but was constrained from speaking freely about the situation.
TMR addresses business concerns
Providing a project update, a Transport and Main Roads spokesman acknowledged the challenges created by the project for neighbouring businesses.
“The Department of Transport and Main Roads is delivering the Townsville Connection Road upgrade in stages with stages 2 and 4 expected to be completed by the end of 2025,” the spokesman said.
“The signalisation of the Mervyn Crossman Drive intersection is the next major milestone and is expected to be completed by late August 2025. Unfortunately, the early year heavy rain and weather events have contributed to some delays.
“The Bowen Road bridge upgrade (stage 3), which is a separate component of the overall project, is due for completion in mid-2026.”
He confirmed that TMR had been in contact with local businesses, who expressed concerns around reduced customer flow and revenue during the construction period.
“This week’s traffic transition, which occurred on May 6, has allowed us to redirect the flow of traffic and maintain access toward The Precinct and retail businesses,” he said.
“We have had direct conversations with business owners, and we encourage all affected stakeholders to reach out to our team on 1800 625 648 or our dedicated stakeholder engagement officers.
“We remain committed to maintaining open communication and addressing concerns as they arise.”
TMR has carefully staged construction works to maintain access to The Precinct and businesses operating in the area.
“Clear detour and directional signage is in place, and our traffic management plans are regularly reviewed and updated based on current staging.
“TMR will work collaboratively with stakeholders to explore additional support options including business promotion and clear information for customers.
“We want to reassure the community that businesses in The Precinct and surrounding areas remain open and accessible.”
Key features of Townsville Connection Road project
• Upgrade Townsville Connection Road to 4 lanes between University Road and Bowen Road Bridge.
• Replace the roundabout at the Townsville Connection Road and Mervyn Crossman Drive/ Fairfield Waters Drive with a signalised intersection.
• Signalise the Gartrell Drive and Kokoda Street intersections to allow safer side street access.
• Safety upgrades for pedestrians and bicycle riders, including wider paths, better connections, and safer crossings.
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