Two major regional QLD road projects to create 560 Townsville jobs

Two major regional Queensland road projects are set to begin construction soon and the projects are anticipated to create more than 560 jobs for Townsville. 

The two projects include the $230 million Townsville Ring Road – Stage 5 project and the $107.7 million Bruce Highway – Townsville Northern Access Intersections Upgrade project. 

Both projects are part of the $1.5 billion joint investment from the Australian and Queensland Governments for roads in North Queensland, which is anticipated to support up to 1,400 jobs in total. 

The $1.5 billion investment is “the cornerstone of the Queensland Government’s $50 billion plan” to deliver major infrastructure projects to support as well as help sustain jobs in the State now and in the future. 

“These projects are part of our $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline which will support our economy by creating jobs in North Queensland as we recover from COVID-19,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

“COVID-19 has impacted economies around the world but because Queenslanders have rallied to fight this global pandemic, we’re able to get on with the job of delivering Queensland’s economic plan,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

According to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey, the creation of this multi-billion-dollar pipeline of road project in Townsville will help create jobs, drive safety as well as accommodate the region’s growing freight and business community. 

“We’re building the $514.3 million Bruce Highway upgrade through Haughton River, creating over 540 jobs, the biggest ever overhaul of Northern Australia’s largest port creating 125 jobs, and now we’re securing more jobs and improved safety with the next tranche of road upgrades in North Queensland,” Mr Bailey said. 

The Townsville Ring Road – Stage 5 project will include: 

• Duplication of a 6-kilometre section of the Townsville Ring Road between Vickers Bridge and Shaw Road 
• New connection with Beck Drive which connects to the Upper Ross area 
• Appropriate bridging and drainage for flood mitigation, lighting, intelligent transport systems, noise mitigation measures and environmental protections 

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

The contract to design and build the project has been awarded to the Georgiou AECOM consortium. Construction on the project is anticipated to commence in mid-2021 and is due to be completed in early 2023, weather and construction conditions permitting. 

“We’re thrilled to be selected by DTMR (Department of Transport and Main Roads) to deliver another successful design-construct project. 

“Our team has a long and successful history working with DTMR. We look forward to showcasing our design and construction expertise while providing this vital infrastructure link to the local community,” Georgiou Group Executive General Manager Eastern Region Gary Georgiou said. 

On the other hand, the Burce Highway – Townsville Northern Access Intersections Upgrade will include duplicating a 5.2-kilometre section of the Bruce Highway between Veales Road and Pope Road, north of Townsville. 

Townsville Northern Access Intersections Upgrade project map (source: DTMR)

Early works on this project have already commenced. 

Source: Queensland Government; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (1, 2); Georgiou Group