UPGRADE FOR ROCKHAMPTON’S BEEF ROAD ROUTE
WORKS have started on the Rockhampton-Emu Park Road upgrade to improve access for Type 1 road trains to local abattoirs.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government has committed $20 million towards the $30 million project to improve Road Train Access in the Rockhampton area road network
“The project is part of the $100 million Northern Australia Beef Roads Program, delivering targeted upgrades to key roads necessary for transporting cattle to improve reliability, productivity and resilience of cattle supply chains in northern Australia,” Mr McCormack said.
“Work will include a wide centre line treatment, separating oncoming traffic between Goodsall Street and Thozet Road.
“These treatments provide additional space when motorists are passing bike riders or vehicles stopped by the side of the road and allows for better visibility of oncoming traffic.
“In the past decade, the Australian Government has invested heavily in providing wide centre line treatments on the Bruce Highway in Queensland, increasing safety for all road users.
“Adopting this treatment in an urban environment like Lakes Creek Road will deliver the same safety benefits for road users and will further improve access for road trains to the North Rockhampton abattoirs into the future.”
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the long-standing Frenchmans Creek Bridge, near the Thozet Road intersection, would be also be upgraded as part of the project.
“The Frenchmans Creek Bridge will be upgraded to a new three-lane bridge, complete with pedestrian and cyclist provisions,” Ms Landry said.
“The contractor has been challenged to deliver the Frenchmans Creek Bridge replacement in an accelerated period to minimise delays for Lakes Creek Road motorists.
"A great deal of technical and engineering expertise is going into the process to make this accelerated construction timeframe a success, acknowledging Lakes Creek Road is a major commuter connection for Rockhampton.
“Further information will be published when the date for replacing Frenchmans Creek Bridge is set in early 2020.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the project’s construction contract was awarded to local civil contractor Vassallo Construction Pty Ltd last month.
“It is great news for the community and for regional jobs that a local contractor has been awarded the contract for the Lakes Creek Road widening project,” Mr Bailey said.
“Vassallo Construction has worked with TMR on various projects across the broader Central Queensland region and has demonstrated a commitment to employing local people, local trades and local machinery.
“The Queensland Government knows how important the beef industry is for Central Queensland and the wider Queensland economy.
“That’s why we committed $10 million in early 2016 to upgrade a number of intersections on the Capricorn Highway to improve access to Rockhampton’s abbatoirs.
“Those works were completed in 2017 so we welcome this latest investment to continue the support for the region’s beef industry.”
The next stage of works are part of the broader upgrade to the Rockhampton Road Network to improve the capacity and accessibility between Gracemere and Rockhampton’s abattoirs.
This will improve the reliability and efficiency of cattle movements from Central Queensland to Rockhampton abattoirs, creating safer conditions for truck drivers and general motorists and strengthening our region’s beef industry.
Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon said stage one of the works completed in 2017 had included three intersection upgrades in North Rockhampton.
“Those works paved the way for Type 1 road train access along the approved heavy vehicle route through Rockhampton and the freight industry has been enjoying the benefits from direct access to North Rockhampton abattoirs since July 2017,” Mr Mahon said.
“The next stage to widen Rockhampton-Emu Park Road will make trips safer for heavy vehicle drivers as well as other road users, so this project is a win for Rocky.”
An average of 91 direct jobs will be supported over the life of the project.
For further information on the project, or to view the Type 1 Road Train Access to Rockhampton Abattoirs plans, visit the Transport and Main Roads website www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Rockhampton.