The Australian and Queensland governments have shared an update on the $1.73 billion Rockhampton Ring Road project.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland Premier Steven Miles yesterday celebrated construction progress on the project, which is now fully funded by both levels of government.
The full 7.4-kilometre Rockhampton Ring Road will be delivered with an increased Australian Government commitment of $1.2 billion and an increased Queensland Government commitment to $530 million.
Upon completion, the Ring Road is expected to transform Rockhampton and will be a critical new artery for Central Queensland and the broader Bruce Highway.
According to Miles, it will also benefit the transport sector by allowing more productive travel for operators moving freight around the State.
“When complete, big trucks will avoid 19 sets of traffic lights through the middle of Rockhampton, which has long been regarded as the pinch point for travel on the Bruce Highway,” he said
“That is critical for Queensland’s economic growth.”
The Rockhampton Ring Road project was announced last year, and according to the Queensland Government, is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“Late last year the Australian and Queensland governments confirmed construction would be underway on the Rockhampton Ring Road by the end of 2023, and here we are two months into construction to deliver this essential infrastructure project for Central Queensland,” Albanese said.
“This significant investment by the Australian and Queensland governments is a long-term, visionary project for Queensland’s biggest highway, the lifeline for the state of Queensland that will unlock future economic growth, build flood resilience, reduce travel times, improve road safety and support jobs.”
Construction on the first $280 million package of works started in November 2023.
Both contractor joint ventures mobilised to site in November to start construction at key work locations in Parkhurst and on Rockhampton-Ridgelands Road in West Rockhampton.
Construction on this phase of the Rockhampton Ring Road is expected to take up to two years to complete.
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