Construction tendering process begins for QLD Rockhampton Ring Road

The tendering process for the $1.065 billion Rockhampton Ring Road development in Queensland is now underway and pre-qualified contractors are invited to participate. 

The beginning of the tendering process affirms that construction of this vital project is closer than ever. 

“After almost four years of planning and design, the Rockhampton Ring Road is one step closer with construction tendering underway. 

“Investing in this key infrastructure project will support the region’s economy by improving freight efficiency, flood resilience and the capacity of the Bruce Highway, as well as improving road safety. 

“This project will also connect to completed local infrastructure projects, including the Yeppen North and Yeppen South projects, Capricorn Highway Rockhampton to Gracemere Duplication and the Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade, as well as supporting jobs and regional communities,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said. 

The delivery of this more than $1 billion project will help boost the Central Queensland economy as well as transform the regional network. Rockhampton Ring Road is anticipated to support approximately 783 long-term jobs in the region. 

In addition, this project is going to be delivered in two packages due to its size and complexity. 

“Today is a major milestone with the construction tendering process starting as well as a targeted industry briefing to inform major construction companies of the scope and delivery strategy. 

“Tendering will be a multi-stage process and will see Transport and Main Roads collaborate with potential proponents to ensure the best outcomes for the project and community,” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said. 

Successful contractors to deliver the Rockhampton Ring Road are expected to be announced in mid to late 2022. 

According to Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, the region is in need of major projects such as the Rockhampton Ring Road to help support employment while the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With the beginning of the construction tendering process, local businesses are given some certainty on what to expect and when with regards to the project. 

In August, a briefing session was held in Rockhampton where local contractors and suppliers were informed of work opportunities that the Rockhampton Ring Road will provide. Around 160 participants attended the briefing, indicating “there is both strong interest and strong levels of local capability”. 

In partnership with the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, an industry register was established which will enable local contractors and suppliers who are interested in providing services to the project to register their interest. 

Information gathered from the industry register is going to be shared with the appointed construction contractors. 

The Rockhampton Ring Road project will deliver a new 14.7-kilometre ring road, with a total of 17.4 kilometres worth of new road to be built. 

Key features of the Rockhampton Ring Road include: 

• New crossing of the Fitzroy River 
• Reduced congestion and improved safety through the city by providing an alternative route for heavy vehicles 
• Improved connectivity to key facilities, services and precincts within the Rockhampton region 
• Continued access to the road network during major flooding 

“Construction contractors will need to manage multiple connections with other highways, local roads and private properties, as well as ensuring connectivity to the city of Rockhampton. 

“I’m confident this tendering process will secure construction contractors capable of managing these challenging conditions,” Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said. 

Rockhampton Ring Road map (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

Once completed, Rockhampton Ring Road will provide safer journeys and improved connectivity to key employment, leisure, tourism and residential areas in Rockhampton and the wider region. 

The Rockhampton Ring Road project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, each contributing $852 million and $213 million respectively. 

More information on the Expression of Interest for Rockhampton Ring Road can be found here. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Australia New Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline; CQ Today