Construction is now underway on the Rockhampton-Emu Park Road upgrade in Queensland that is set to improve access for Type 1 road trains to local abattoirs.

This project is part of the $100 million Northern Australian Beef Roads Program which delivers targeted upgrades to key roads utilised in the transport of cattle, improving reliability as well as productivity and resilience of northern Australia’s cattle supply chain.

“Work will include a wide centre line treatment, separating oncoming traffic between Goodsall Street and Thozet Road.

“These treatments provide additional space when motorists are passing bike riders or vehicles stopped by the side of the road and allows for better visibility of oncoming traffic,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.

The Australian Government has committed $20 million towards the second stage of the Type 1 Road Train access to Rockhampton abattoirs project. The first stage of the development was completed in February 2017.

Stage 2 scope of works include:

• Replacement of Frenchmans Creek Bridge
• Installation of Wide Centre Line Treatments and resurfacing on Lakes Creek Road between Goodsall Street to Thozet Road including minor intersection upgrades
• Installation of an east and westbound on-road cycle path
• Intersection upgrade at Thozet Road and Lakes Creek Road intersection
• Widening of St Christophers Chapel Road - completed in January 2019
• Widening of the Dorly Street Rail Crossing
• Installation of vehicle detection and monitoring technology

Last month, Vassallo Construction Pty Ltd was awarded the contract to deliver the works.

“It is great news for the community and for regional jobs that a local contractor has been awarded the contract for the Lakes Creek Road widening project.

“Vassallo Construction has worked with TMR on various projects across the broader Central Queensland region and has demonstrated a commitment to employing local people, local trades and local machinery,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.

The next stage of works will make up part of the broader upgrade to the Rockhampton Road Network that will improve capacity and accessibility between Gracemere and Rockhampton’s abattoirs.

“The next stage to widen Rockhampton-Emu Park Road will make trips safer for heavy vehicle drivers as well as other road users, so this project is a win for Rocky,” Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon said.

Approximately 91 direct jobs is expected to be supported over the life of the project.

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Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads