Rockhampton Ring Road project is now fully funded as construction ramps up

The $1.73 billion Rockhampton Ring Road is now fully funded by both Australian and Queensland Governments, and construction is progressing well on this transformative project. 

Funding from both governments have increased, with the Australian Government now committing $1.2 billion and the State Government commits $530 million. 

“Late last year the Australian and Queensland Governments confirmed construction would be underway on the Rockhampton Ring Road by the end of 2023, and here we are two months into construction to deliver this essential infrastructure project for Central Queensland. 

“This significant investment by the Australian and Queensland Governments is a long-term, visionary project for Queensland’s biggest highway, the lifeline for the state of Queensland that will unlock future economic growth, build flood resilience, reduce travel times, improve road safety and support jobs,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. 

This game-changing infrastructure project in Central Queensland will increase connectivity to key precincts in the city while improving access, travel times to critical services such as the hospital and emergency services, and road safety. 

The Rockhampton Ring Road alignment will also open new travel routes to key leisure, retail, education and defence facilities in the region. 

“The Rockhampton Ring Road will be a critical new artery for Central Queensland, and the broader Bruce Highway. 

“It means a safer and quicker drive for locals and more productive travel for our transport sector, moving freight around the state. 

“When complete, big trucks will avoid 19 sets of traffic lights through the middle of Rockhampton, which has long been regarded as the pinch point for travel on the Bruce Highway. That is critical for Queensland’s economic growth. 

“I’m proud that our governments have come together to fully fund the Rockhampton Ring Road – to create jobs, local supply chain opportunities, and better connections for the region,” QLD Premier Steven Miles said. 

In June 2023, two consortia were appointed to carry out the first phase of works. The first stage of the Rockhampton Ring Road is being built in two packages. The Bielby-BMD Joint Venture is undertaking the North Package 1, and the Acciona-Fulton Hogan Joint Venture is delivering the South Package 1. 

The $280 million package of works includes upgrades in the north and south sections of the ring road. The two contractors mobilised on site in November 2023 to begin construction at key work locations in Parkhurst and on Rockhampton-Ridgelands Road in West Rockhampton. 

The North Package 1 includes: 

• Construction of the ring road section between the Bruce Highway / Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road intersection and Monier Road embankment, including a crossing of Limestone Creek 
• Works requires for the realigned Boundary Road, McLaughlin Street, existing Boundary Road, and Monier Road access 
• Construction of accesses for Dreamtime Cultural Centre, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services precinct 

The South Package 1 includes: 

• Rockhampton-Ridgelands Road upgrade including Canoona Road intersection, replacement of Lion Creek bridge, modifications to Osborne Road, and construction of the Ridgelands Road-Osborne Road roundabout with a stub for future connection to the ring road 
• Upgrade of Nine Mile Road/Rockhampton-Ridgelands Road intersection 
• Preload of embankment between the Capricorn Highway and Abutment A of Bridge BR04 (over soft soils) 

The first phase of works is expected to take up to two years to complete. 

“Finalising the agreement between the Australian and Queensland Governments to fund the full cost of the Rockhampton Ring Road is testament to the commitment the Miles Government has to regional Queensland. 

“The Rockhampton Ring Road will transform Rockhampton. 

“Increased connections to key precincts in the city will improve access and travel times to critical services, the leisure, retail and education precincts, and move through-freight out of the city, decreasing conflicts between heavy vehicles and commuter traffic, improving road safety and the ambience of the city,” QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said. 

The Rockhampton Ring Road presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build capability within the regional workforce through the delivery of an extended pipeline of road infrastructure construction where there are significant opportunities for apprentices and trainees, engineers and technical services to be engaged in. 

Key features of the overall Rockhampton Ring Road include: 

• 17.4 kilometres of new roadway including approximately 14.7 kilometres of ring road alignment 
• New crossing of the Fitzroy River between Pink Lily and Kawana 
• Connections into West Rockhampton in the vicinity of Ridgelands Road, North Rockhampton at Alexandra Street, and the Bruce Highway intersection with Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road at Parkhurst 
• Continued access to the road network during major flooding 

“The Australian Government’s commitment to fund and deliver ensures that Rockhampton and the central Queensland region can maximise both the economic and human benefit from the project, building capability and skills in the region. 

“I am delighted that this will support industries and keep freight moving throughout Queensland,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

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