Tenders will be released later this year to build a truck stop to reduce congestion caused by trucks queuing on roads leading into the Port of Townsville.
The truck staging area will make use of 1.5 hectares and will cater for up to 25 triple road trains.
Construction will include a new paved and asphalted area for heavy trucks, a mobile guard hut, shower and toilet facilities, lighting and security cameras.
Queensland Member for Townsville, Scott Stewart, said the facility will allow trucks to safely queue in the designated area just outside the entrance to the port.
“The plan will also see upgrades to roads on the port boundary, which will create freight efficiencies and ease congestion, as part of long-term plans to grow the port’s business,” Stewart said.
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“Triple road trains are currently unable to turn from Benwell Road into Hubert Street, so the port is also designing an upgrade of the intersection to improve heavy vehicle access.”
Queensland Trucking Association CEO, Gary Mahon, said the project would support safer and more efficient freight movements.
“Facilities like these not only mean less congestion for truck drivers, they also provide safe places to stop while they’re accessing the port,” Mahon said.
“Ports are busy places, so the local road network needs to be up to a good standard to handle frequent heavy vehicle traffic.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, said the works were another example of the Port of Townsville investing in infrastructure to support long-term growth.
“The Port of Townsville is critical to Northern Australia’s economy, with international trade passing through it valued at around $9 billion annually,” Bailey said.
“The Queensland Government has backed a number of projects that will ensure it continues to support Queensland’s economy.
“The $193 million Townsville Channel Upgrade Project, construction of a port rail link, six new berths and plans to create 150 hectares of new port land will ensure Townsville’s publicly-owned port has the right infrastructure to meet growing demand for international trade.”