Early works ramp up on $1bn Rockhampton Ring Road project

The proposed $1.065 billion Rockhampton Ring Road in Queensland will soon see the first phase of construction get underway in 2023 after the Australian and State Governments reach an agreement. 

“Both the state and federal governments remain committed to the project and this new agreement is a very clear sign of that,” QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said. 

This agreement will enable works to begin on a $280 million package that includes upgrading several connecting roads – including Boundary Road, McLaughlin Street, Monier Road Overpass and the Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road intersection. 

The multi-million-dollar package will also deliver a connection for the future ring road to West Rockhampton. This will include an upgrade to Lion Creek Bridge plus connections to local roads as well. 

“I’m pleased to say we’ve reached a new funding agreement between the Queensland and Federal governments to get the project underway. 

“The Albanese Government is committed to Central Queensland, which is why the federal budget delivered $200 million in new funding for the Bruce Highway between Rockhampton and Gladstone, and $400 million in new funding for beef and cattle corridors which will include roads in Central Queensland. 

“Our budget also delivered another $400 million towards the Inland Freight Route, the second Bruce Highway – taking the total to $800 million, plenty of which will go towards key roads in Central Queensland,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

This package of works represents the beginning of a new construction phase for the Rockhampton Ring Road project, and it follows months of close cooperation between two levels of government in assessing the best way to build the project. 

The Rockhampton Ring Road is taking a positive step forward as early works ramp up, with power poles being erected at Pink Lily to prepare the new road corridor for major construction. 

“It’ll be a great sight to see these huge power poles going up in the corridor today, where the Rockhampton Ring Road will be built. 

“Starting these major utilities works now means that we can get on with the job faster. 

“I want to see this project support as many local workers and contractors as possible, and this new agreement secures that,” Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said. 

Key features of the Rockhampton Ring Road include: 

• New crossing of the Fitzroy River between Pink Lily and Kawana 
• 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 

The Australian and Queensland Governments are jointly funding the Rockhampton Ring Road, each contributing $852 million and $213 million respectively. 

“The Palaszczuk Government is funding the early works which get underway today and will continue into next year. 

“This will help support local jobs and contractors, and the project long term – a brilliant outcome for our local community. 

“It’s also great to see a new agreement between the state and federal government for the Rockhampton Ring Road which will see the first phase of construction getting underway next year,” State Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said. 

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