The joint venture between Fulton Hogan and SMEC has been awarded the contract to deliver the $74.99 million Capricorn Highway duplication project between Rockhampton and Gracemere in Queensland, marking a new major milestone on the project.
“This project, which is part of the $600 million Northern Australia Roads program, will support the economic development of northern Australia by improving the movement of freight and people.
“When completed, the upgraded Capricorn Highway will see increased capacity and reduce travel times, particularly during the peak traffic times in the morning and afternoon,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.
This multi-million project will duplicate a five-kilometre stretch of Capricorn Highway from two to four lanes between Rockhampton and Gracemere. This project will also include intersection upgrades at Nelson Street, Fairy Bower Road, McLaughlin Street and Gavial-Gracemere Road.
“It will also make the road safer for cyclists and pedestrians as the upgrades will separate them from fast-moving traffic,” Federal member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said.
Over the next six months, the Futon Hogan-SMEC joint venture will be progressing the project design and construction is anticipated to commence in mid-2019.
“We are seeking innovative design options for the project ahead of construction starting.
This process will focus on optimising traffic solutions for the region and involve extensive community consultation,” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said.
The Capricorn Highway between Rockhampton and Gracemere holds a traffic volume of more than 18,000 vehicles daily and it is a major east-west freight corridor in Central Queensland as well as a part of the State’s drive-tourism network that connects the Capricorn Coast to Outback Queensland.
“This is why the Capricorn Highway upgrade is significant for Central Queensland, as it will improve a vital connection for freight and commuter traffic between Rockhampton and Gracemere.
“The upgrade will improve travel times with the reinstatement of a 100 kilometre-an-hour speed limit, improve access to Rockhampton during moderate floods and freight productivity for vehicles accessing Rockhampton,” Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said.
The Capricorn Highway duplication between Rockhampton and Gracemere is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, with each contributing $59.99 million and $15 million respectively.
The project is due for completion by mid-2020.
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Source: Queensland Government; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Department of Transport and Main Roads