The Mackay Ring Road to Bald Hill Road Connection project in Queensland has now been completed.
Works aimed at ensuring better transport infrastructure integration and safer road conditions have delivered a duplicated section of the Bruce Highway between Mackay Ring Road and Bald Hill Road area.
Key features of the project include two new dual-lane overpass bridges, a new port rail overpass and an upgraded intersection at Bald Hill Road.
To minimise traffic disruption during bridge construction, a unique top-down temporary fill method was used which enabled road works to be completed without the need for closured on the Bruce Highway.
Additionally, the three overpass bridges required approximately 620 tonnes of reinforced steel.
According to the Australian Government, the completion of the project has improved safety and efficiency for road users.
It has also provided a consistent journey for drivers by extending the duplication from the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade through to the Mackay Ring Road roundabout.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, said the new connection will be vital to the region’s transport network.
“Now completed, the Mackay Ring Road to Bald Hill Road Connection project will be an integral part of an integrated transport network in the region connecting to major infrastructure such as the Mackay Ring Road, the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade and the Walkerston Bypass,” he said.
“We understand the impact this had on local residents and road users and we thank the community for its patience while construction of these important upgrades was completed.”
The $87 million project was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments which contributed $69.6 million and $17.4 million respectively.
“We’re investing more than $17 billion on projects along the 1,673 kilometre-long Bruce Highway,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.
“While it’s tools down on this section of the highway, we’re getting on with more than 40 other projects to improve the drive on one of Queensland’s most important roads.”
In other news, Rio Tinto has approved an investment of USD $180 million (approx. $277.67 million AUD) for a project in Queensland.
