The $535 million infrastructure project is set to make freight and rail activities in north Queensland easier for operators
The federal government has announced that a critical piece of Far North Queensland’s most complex road and rail infrastructure project has been commissioned in the final step towards its completion.
The project includes the $535 million upgrade to the Bruce Highway, with the Edmonton to Gordonvale project set to deliver long-term improvements to traffic flow and safety for both truck and rail drivers.
The government has commissioned the Menmuny Overpass, spanning 141 metres, as part of a significant milestone in the project.
The overpass will be open to motorists by Friday August 18 in all directions.
In the meantime, the Bruce Highway upgrade for 10.5 kilometres of the road began in May 2020, with more than 200 million hours of work involved, including 300 local suppliers and contractors in the effort.
The $535 million Edmonton to Gordonvale project will help deliver new intersections, upgraded roads, new road and rail bridges and more drainage.
The federal government says after the opening this month, remaining minor works will be completed in September 2023.
“The federal government is committed to providing safe and reliable road infrastructure to connect and support Queensland and rural and regional Australia, which is why it’s fantastic to see this major project nearing completion,” federal transport minister Catherine King says.
“Not only will this 10.5 kilometres of highway be upgraded and duplicated, but through this jointly funded project we are delivering new and upgraded intersections, new local roads, cycleways, drainage an impressive overpass and pedestrian crossings.
“Vital infrastructure projects like this are helping support rural and regional Australia by connecting communities, strengthening freight networks and improving road safety.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads (TMR) minister Mark Bailey says the infrastructure project is the biggest investment in infrastructure delivery in Queensland history.
“This project – Far North Queensland’s biggest and most complex – will deliver significant improvements to safety and connectivity, has reduced congestion and highway travel time on the Bruce Highway, as well as improved active transport networks,” Bailey says.
“The new highway will future-proof this section of the Cairns Southern Access Corridor for years to come. We are committed to delivering real benefits to Far North Queensland and are continuing to provide safer roads for the community, which is exactly what this project has done.
“We know Cairns is growing rapidly and this investment provides a better road network service to keep people moving.”