$31.6m QLD Proserpine-Shute Harbour Rd upgrades to get underway

$31.6 million worth of upgrades is getting underway to fix a 1.5-kilometre section of the Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road in Cannonvale, Queensland. 

The upgrades aim to improve safety as well as ease congestion on one of Whitsunday’s key roads. 

“This project is another example of George Christensen’s determination to deliver for people of this region, to make sure the infrastructure they need and deserve is funded and delivered. 

“This is just one of many projects included in the Federal Government’s record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan, which will help connect communities and improve safety, while creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said. 

This project will help increase the capacity of Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road between Paluma Road and Tropic Road as well as provide active transport options. 

The multi-million-dollar project will include: 

• Additional lane each way between Paluma Road and Tropic Road 
• Upgraded intersections and traffic lights at William Murray Drive and MacArthur Drive 
• Improved drainage 
• New and improved active transport infrastructure: 
  • 3.5-metre-wide shared path for pedestrians and bike riders from Cannonvale to Airlie Beach; on-road bike riding lanes and pedestrian crossings 
  • New and upgraded bus stops 

“It’s fantastic to see all levels of government working productively together, to actually lock in funding, and get shovels in the ground to upgrade this road. 

“The Palaszczuk Government is keeping work flowing for these projects and others like it by investing in the community during this difficult period. 

“We’re delivering a $27.5 billion roads and transport plan over the next four years which is creating 24,000 jobs and driving Queensland’s economic recovery from COVID-19,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

Project map (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

The $16 million duplication of the Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road between Paluma Road and Valley Drive in Cannonvale is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on an 80:20 basis – each contributing $12.8 million and $3.2 million respectively. 

On the other hand, the $13 million Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road between Valley Drive and Tropic Road duplication is fully funded by the Queensland Government. 

Lastly, the $2.6 million shared path to be delivered between Paluma Road and Tropic Road is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on a 50:50 basis as part of the Queensland Road Safety Program – Tranche 1. 

“Widening the section to four lanes and providing new traffic lights and additional turning lanes at key intersections will reduce congestion during peak periods. 

“We’re also providing safer access to local businesses. 

“The Paluma Road to Valley Drive duplication will support 30 jobs for the life of the project, and the Valley Drive to Tropic Road duplication will support a further 20 jobs. 

“These projects for an important part of the Palaszczuk Government’s economic recovery plan, which includes delivering a $17.5 billion investment in roads and transport across regional Queensland,” QLD Assistant Regional Road Minister Bruce Saunders said. 

Once completed, the upgrades will ease congestion on the Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road, which is the only arterial road that links the Bruce Highway and Proserpine to Cannonvale as well as to Airlie Beach, Jubilee Pocket and the port of Shute Harbour. 

“Residential and industrial growth in the Whitsunday region has increased traffic, with an average of 24,630 vehicles using this section of road every day. 

“This upgrade will improve traffic flow and safety for all road users both now and into the future,” Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said. 

The main construction contract for the two duplication projects is expected to be awarded in late 2021, with both projects due to be completed in late 2023. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads