FEDERAL FUNDING SECURED FOR TOWNSVILLE RING ROAD

This week’s Federal Budget will deliver $144 million toward Stage 5 of the Townsville Ring Road.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said duplication of this stretch will see the full length of the Townsville Ring Road upgraded to four lanes, with works to also include a new interchange at local road Beck Drive.

“This investment will provide the final link to the Townsville Ring Road, busting congestion, lowering freight costs and greatly improving safety on the Bruce Highway,” Mr McCormack said.

Member for Dawson George Christensen said the Townsville Ring Road plays an important role in connecting Townsville’s suburbs to employment and essential services.

“Our further commitment will complete the Ring Road and make the movement of freight, passenger and tourism traffic along the Bruce Highway corridor better than ever,” Mr Christensen said.

Senator for Queensland Ian Macdonald said Stage 5 of the Ring Road will bring the entire 22 kilometres of the route to four lanes, easing congestion.

“This is the final six-kilometre-long section that remains only two lanes wide, causing a traffic bottleneck that this funding will tackle head on,” Senator Macdonald said.

“The Ring Road was an initiative of the Howard Government, and I am delighted to see it will be completed under the Morrison-McCormack Government.”

LNP Candidate for Herbert Phillip Thompson said Stage 5 is the final step in completing the ring road, which will ease congestion and give better access to Lavarack Barracks, the Townsville Hospital and James Cook University.

“Upgrading roads that reduce congestion and are safer to be on is something that I will continue to support and advocate for,” Mr Thompson said.