The $80 million congestion-busting Mackay Northern Access Upgrade Project is one step closer to beginning construction, with the design for Stage 1 ready for community consultation.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack, this project will help improve safety as well as relive the increasing pressure on the Bruce Highway and Mackay’s northern road network.
Stage 1 of the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade will include:
“Motorists who travel along this stretch of the Bruce Highway know just how heavy traffic can be.
“Providing additional lanes and major upgrades of key intersections – including Sams Road and Mackay-Bucasia Road – will reduce peak-hour congestion,” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said.
Stage 2 of the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade will include upgrading the Davey Street overpass as well as widening the highway to four lanes which will align it with the Mackay Ring Road approximately 350 metres north of Bald Hill Road.
Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said that Mackay roads carry approximately 15 to 20 million tonnes of freight each year and this project will streamline a vital freight transport route.
“This project will provide the major improvements needed to support industry in Mackay, including safer, more efficient access to Mackay’s port,” Mr Christensen said.
Construction on the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade Stage 1 is expected to commence in late 2018 – once design works and extensive community consultation are finalised – and, weather permitting, be completed by mid-2020.
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Source: Queensland Government, Daily Mercury