A joint venture (JV) of Albem Operations and SGQ has won a tender to undertake the Townsville Connection Road upgrade project in Queensland, Australia.

Entirely funded by the Palaszczuk Government, the A$96m ($60.4m) project aims to increase capacity and reduce congestion while improving safety for motorists, pedestrians and bike riders.

The project involves upgrading the Townsville Connection Road, which is also known as Stuart Drive, to four lanes between University Road and Bowen Road Bridge.

Work on the project is planned to commence this month.

The project will also involve a signalised intersection to replace the roundabout at the Townsville Connection Road and Mervyn Crossman Drive/Fairfield Waters Drive intersection, as well as signalising the Gartrell Drive and Kokoda Street intersections to enable allow safer access to side street.

Furthermore, work involves safety upgrades for pedestrians and bike riders, including better connections, wider paths, and safer crossings.

Townsville suburb Mundingburra member Les Walker said: “Stuart Drive is a major road connecting the community with nearby sports clubs, schools and shops so this upgrade will ease the traffic and make the road safer for all users.”

The project is expected to create 90 jobs.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said: “With 24,000 vehicles travelling through this area every day, the project will achieve much needed efficiency benefits and reduce congestion and travel time.

"This project will enhance safety for all road users, especially school-aged children who are known to cross this busy road.

“A new shared pathway will also be delivered as part of the project to allow a better connection for pedestrians and bike riders.”