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Projects

Mackay Ring Road project achieves construction milestone

The Mackay Ring Road – Stage 1 project has reached a major construction milestone recently with the placement of the first concrete girder on the new Pioneer River Bridge.

Michael McCormack, Deputy Prime Minister and minister for infrastructure, transport and regional development, said the project would deliver a better and safer road network throughout the area.

“We are investing to build the Mackay Ring Road locals need and deserve,” McCormack said.

“Once completed, the crossing will create another vital connection between the north and south of Mackay, as well as reduce travel times.

“The volume of cross-river traffic continues to grow, and this new bridge will provide another river crossing option for motorists. It will also provide a direct route for through-traffic and heavy vehicles, reducing traffic on Nebo Road and other Pioneer River Crossings.”

Queensland minister for transport and main roads Mark Bailey said the placement of the first T-girder was a key component for the new bridge.

“It is an important milestone for a project that will see construction of four water crossings and nine overpass structures, with the Pioneer River crossing being the largest of the bridges being built,” Bailey said.

“In total, 150 girders will be constructed, transported and placed. Each girder is 35m long, weighs up to 82 tonnes and measures over 1.8m in height.

“The manufacture of T-girders has commenced and once completed, the 670m long bridge will cater for a one-in-100-year flood and support the future growth of Mackay.”

George Christensen, federal member for Dawson, said the project would see construction of major junctions and bridges to improve travel times and reduce accidents.

“In addition, the project will continue to generate and support jobs in Northern Queensland with an average of 534 jobs being supported over the life of the project,” Christensen said.

“The Australian government has committed $397.9 million towards the $497.3 million project in partnership with the Queensland government.”

According to Julieanne Gilbert, member for Mackay, it was very pleasing that so many of the people working on the ring road were from the Mackay region.

“It is an exciting time for our local contractors and trades people,” Gilbert said.

“The Mackay Ring Road is showcasing the high quality of work being produced right here in North Queensland and I want to congratulate all of the locals who are contributing to this great project.”

The project is expected to be completed in early-2020.


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