Fulton Hogan-SMEC JV wins contract to deliver QLD's Capricorn Highway duplication

Monica Gameng   |   December 9, 2018

The joint venture between Fulton Hogan and SMEC has been awarded the contract to deliver the $74.99 million Capricorn Highway duplication project between Rockhampton and Gracemere in Queensland, marking a new major milestone on the project.

“This project, which is part of the $600 million Northern Australia Roads program, will support the economic development of northern Australia by improving the movement of freight and people.

“When completed, the upgraded Capricorn Highway will see increased capacity and reduce travel times, particularly during the peak traffic times in the morning and afternoon,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.

This multi-million project will duplicate a five-kilometre stretch of Capricorn Highway from two to four lanes between Rockhampton and Gracemere. This project will also include intersection upgrades at Nelson Street, Fairy Bower Road, McLaughlin Street and Gavial-Gracemere Road.

“It will also make the road safer for cyclists and pedestrians as the upgrades will separate them from fast-moving traffic,” Federal member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said.

Over the next six months, the Futon Hogan-SMEC joint venture will be progressing the project design and construction is anticipated to commence in mid-2019.

“We are seeking innovative design options for the project ahead of construction starting.

capricorn-highway-duplication-mapCapricorn Highway duplication map (source: Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities)

This process will focus on optimising traffic solutions for the region and involve extensive community consultation,” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said.

The Capricorn Highway between Rockhampton and Gracemere holds a traffic volume of more than 18,000 vehicles daily and it is a major east-west freight corridor in Central Queensland as well as a part of the State’s drive-tourism network that connects the Capricorn Coast to Outback Queensland.

“This is why the Capricorn Highway upgrade is significant for Central Queensland, as it will improve a vital connection for freight and commuter traffic between Rockhampton and Gracemere.

“The upgrade will improve travel times with the reinstatement of a 100 kilometre-an-hour speed limit, improve access to Rockhampton during moderate floods and freight productivity for vehicles accessing Rockhampton,” Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said.

The Capricorn Highway duplication between Rockhampton and Gracemere is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, with each contributing $59.99 million and $15 million respectively.

The project is due for completion by mid-2020.

Subscribe to Felix Project News today to stay up to date with the latest industry news and project updates.

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

Monica Gameng
As Felix's Marketing Assistant since 2015, Monica is responsible for researching and sharing new and progressing projects within the construction and mining sectors in Australia. It's no surprise that Monica has her finger on the pulse of Australian major projects given she has produced more than 1,000 posts. She truly is an industry expert.
Follow me:

Related Articles

Projects
Golding Contractors to deliver $40m bridges replacement project in QLD

Construction has commenced on a $40 million project – funded through the Queensland Government State Infrastructure Plan – to replace five timber bridges on the Dawson Highway between Calliope and Biloela, with Gladstone-based Golding Contractors heading the delivery of the project.

Projects
QLD North Coast Rail Line Upgrade receives $390m funding

The Australian Government is investing approximately $390 million towards the duplication of Queensland’s North Coast Rail Line - between Beerburrum and Landsborough. This project will also build capacity upgrades from Landsborough to Nambour.

Projects
WA $70m Reid Highway widening project one step closer to construction

Western Australia's $70 million Reid Highway widening project - between Altone Road and West Swan Road - marks a new milestone with the release of the design concept back in April 2018 and Expressions of Interest have been called for the project’s design and construction contract.

Get the latest project news

Formerly known as the PlantMiner blog, Felix Project News is Australia's top 10 Construction blog. Join thousands of construction and mining pros getting the best content right in their inbox.
  • updates on Australia's pipeline of state and federal projects
  • fresh contract awards from major contractors and builders

If you're looking to contact us about other matters, please contact us.