Contract awarded to deliver upgrades to Townsville Connection Road

Works to upgrade the Townsville Connection Road – known locally as Stuart Drive – will commence by October of this year following the award of the tender to undertake the delivery of the project. 

Albem Operations Pty Ltd and SGQ Pty Ltd Joint Venture has been awarded the contract to upgrade the road to four lanes between University Road and the Bowen Road Bridge. 

The $96 million upgrade will include: 

• Upgrading Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive) to four lanes between University Road and Bowen Road Bridge 
• Replacing the roundabout at the Townsville Connection Road and Mervyn Crossman Drive/Fairfield Waters Drive with a signalised intersection 
• Signalising the Gartrell Drive and Kokoda Street intersection to allow safer side street access 
• Safety upgrades for pedestrians and bicycle riders, including wider paths, better connections, and safer crossings 

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

The Queensland Government is fully funding the project that is expected to generate 90 local jobs over the life of the upgrade. 

The project funding includes an additional $49.6 million as part of the 2023-24 State Budget, ensuring the full scope of the upgrade is delivered. 

“The Queensland Government committed to this project at the last election, and we look forward to seeing it being delivered. 

“The awarding of this tender is another major milestone in this project, with construction to follow soon. 

“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 

“This is another example of the Queensland Government keeping Queenslanders safe on our roads, while also delivering good local jobs to our regions,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

Upgrading Townsville Connection Road will help improve traffic flow as well as safety for motorists while also providing safer crossing and better connections to services for school children and users of the surrounding sporting and shopping precincts. 

Since 2015, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has consulted with local business, schools and sporting clubs to design and deliver the project. 

While works are carried out, access to Stuart Drive and connecting roads will be maintained and traffic management will be established. TMR is encouraging road users to plan their commutes and allow an extra 10 minutes to arrive at their intended destinations. 

“I have been fighting and advocating for this project which was a key election commitment for the people of Mundingburra. 

“It is fantastic to know work will begin soon after early pre-construction was completed. 

“Stuart Drive is a major road connecting the community with nearby sports clubs, schools and shops so this upgrade will ease traffic and make the road safer for all users. 

“As a government we are continuing to invest in upgrading major infrastructure like Stuart Drive because we know how important it is to make our roads safer while also supporting good jobs through construction,” Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads