A long sought after solution to traffic bottlenecks at peak hours for freight carriers and other heavy vehicles near Rockhampton has wrapped.
The $74.99 million Capricorn Highway project between Rockhampton and fast-growing Gracemere, will ease congestion and increase capacity since traffic volumes began exceeding 18,000 vehicles daily.
The completed upgrade to a four-lane highway is expected to reduce travel times, particularly during morning and afternoon peaks, creating a more efficient commute for motorists.
Completed sections on the project, of which the Australian Government contributed $59.99 million and the Queensland Government funded the remaining $15 million, have been progressively opened since December.
In that time Queensland Transport and Main Roads supervised the use and addition of 13 new drainage structures, 15,000 tonnes of asphalt and two new bridges including a bridge at Scrubby Creek and an eastbound dual carriageway.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce called it an example of Government advocacy delivering for the people of the region by securing funding for the infrastructure they need and deserve.
“The Federal Government’s record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan is delivering on our commitment to securing the nation’s recovery and keeping our communities safe,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
The Rockhampton Ring Road, a new 14.7-kilometre highway connecting the Capricorn Highway to the Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road/Bruce Highway intersection, is set to commence construction next.
Its completion is scheduled for 2026.