
The Queensland and Australian governments have unveiled the concept design of the A$1bn ($643.7m) Rockhampton Ring Road project.
The project involves the construction of 18km section of the Bruce Highway, west of Rockhampton.
Comprising a new Fitzroy River crossing, the project will also provide key links into the city at the Capricorn Highway, Ridgelands Road, Alexandra Street and Yaamba Road (Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road).
Australia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said: “Due to Covid-19, face-to-face engagement with the public has been postponed, however sharing this information with the community is important to ensure we receive a wide range of feedback, which will inform the design.
“The Rockhampton Ring Road is key to keeping Central Queensland moving efficiently and ensuring the city continues contributing to the region’s economic growth.”
Expected to create 800 jobs, the Rockhampton Ring Road project is aimed to enhance the capacity, safety and accessibility of the road network in Rockhampton.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said: “The Rockhampton Ring Road is key to keeping Central Queensland moving efficiently and ensuring the city continues contributing to the region’s economic growth.”
The road will provide a western link of the Bruce Highway extending from the Capricorn Highway (Nelson Street) in the south, while creating connections between Gracemere and Parkhurst, and improve access to the Capricorn Coast in the east.
State Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said that the ring road would connect with the A$157m ($101m) Bruce Highway upgrade north of Rockhampton.
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The Bruce Highway passing through Mirriwinni in Australia. (Credit: Kerry Raymond/Wikipedia)