Search begins for a builder to deliver $150m Walkerston Bypass QLD

The State Government is now calling on construction companies to submit their interest in building the $150 million Walkerston Bypass project that will deliver a new section of road that will connect the Peak Downs Highway to the Mackay Ring Road near Paget in Queensland. 

“This is an investment in improving the main freight, tourism and road transport corridor between Cleront and Mackay that will remove through traffic from Walkerston. 

“The Walkerston Bypass will offer a safer and mor efficient link by addressing congestion, safety and connection issues posed by the existing Peak Downs Highway,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

The multi-million-dollar project will deliver a 10.6-kilometre link between the Bruce Highway and the Peak Downs Highway west of Walkerston. 

“The first 2.6 kilometres of the bypass has already been built as part of the Mackay Ring Road, which opened last week, with the rest of the project set to support another 200 local jobs. 

“We’ve also locked in a further $18 million in joint funding for safety upgrades on the Peak Downs Highway between Mackay and Eton as part of the $1 billion Queensland roads stimulus packages announced since April, so we’re pleased more projects are due to come online,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said. 

Project map (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

The Walkerston Bypass is set to become a designated heavy vehicle route to be utilised by B-double as well as other multi-combination vehicles – such as A-double road trains – between the Bruce Highway and the Peak Downs Highway. 

“Reducing the volume of freight traffic travelling through Walkerston will improve the safety and amenity of the town’s road network,” Federal member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said. 

Key features of the project will include: 

• A 1.5-kilometre overtaking section 
• A new flood-free bridge over Bakers Creek 
• 3 new road overpasses above the local can railway network 

Once opened to traffic, the Walkerston Bypass will provide benefits such as re-directing heavy vehicles away from local schools, retail and medical facilities in Walkerston; extend the life of a 74-year-old bridge adjacent the school yard; and reduce congestion through Walkerston. 

The Walkerston Bypass is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, each contributing $120 million and $30 million respectively. 

Major construction works are anticipated to commence in early 2021 upon the completion of the Mackay Ring Road Stage 1. 

The Walkerston Bypass is due to be completed by late 2023. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Industry Queensland; Infrastructure Magazine