Mackay-Bucasia Rd intersection upgrade progresses towards construction

Detailed design is now underway for the Mackay-Bucasia Road and Golf Links Road intersection upgrade, taking it a step closer to easing congestion at Mackay’s Northern Beaches.

The proposed design will include traffic signalisation on all four entry points of the roundabout with CCTV sensors that detect queues as well as active signals to assist with congestion during peak hours.

New turning lanes onto Mackay-Habana Road and Mackay-Bucasia Road north approaches will also be delivered alongside a new additional left turn lane on Golf Links Road.

“Congestion along Mackay-Bucasia Road has been a long-standing frustration for Northern Beaches residents, with families and commuters spending too much time stuck in traffic each day.

“We are delivering the roads and infrastructure that supports regional communities, and today’s milestone backs that promise, with works planned to start after the wet season.

“This intersection upgrade is an important step in improving traffic flow along this critical corridor and delivering a safer, more commuter friendly route for the growing Northern Beaches community,” Premier David Crisafulli said.

“Through their decade of decline, the former Labor Government allowed congestion on Mackay-Bucasia Road to worsen, and failed to deliver the investment to fix it.

“Our approach addresses the unique characteristic of this intersection which sees far more vehicles moving through the roundabout on the way to-and-from work, and far fewer vehicles during the day.

“The signalised roundabout is a first in the Mackay region but is used across Australia to help keep traffic flowing at busy roundabouts and relieve congestion,” Acting Minister for Transport and Main Roads Sam O’Connor said.

Project location (source: QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads)

These works will ultimately improve traffic flow, relieve congestion, and improve travel times on Mackay’s Northern Beaches.

Engagement with key stakeholders will continue to ensure integration of traffic priorities for both state-controlled and local government road network.

Construction on the Mackay-Bucasia Road and Golf Links Road intersection upgrade is anticipated to commence in early 2027 after the wet season.

This project is fully funded by the Queensland Government.

I’ve long fought for an upgrade to the Mackay-Bucasia Road and Golf Links Road intersection, and at the last election, we promised the Crisafulli Government would deliver it.

“This solution is right for our community and will help relieve the congestion faced by commuters from the Northern Beaches everyday,” Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said.

“Easing congestion from the Northern Beaches into Mackay will mean that those who work in Mackay have a safer and more convenient journey to and from work.

“The Crisafulli Government is always looking at ways to make it safer to get to and from your destination on our road network after decades of decline,” Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said.

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Mackay & Whitsunday Life; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads