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Queensland freight route to receive update

Federal and local governments jointly fund needed Finders Highway improvements

 

The Flinders Highway between Hughenden and Cloncurry is in line for an update after the federal and Queensland governments announced $25 million in funding.

Providing majority of the funding, national infrastructure minister Warren Truss says 24 km of the highway will be rehabilitated and widened.

“The Flinders Highway is a critical link in the supply chains serving the north west and north east mineral provinces and is a key strategic link serving communities and supporting economic development in northern Australia,” Truss says.

“The project will prepare the highway for predicted increase in freight demand from high value export industries and improve freight efficiency, economic productivity and highway safety.”

The finances stem from the $228 million National Highway Upgrade Program, from which $49 million is allocated to Queensland over four years.

Queensland roads minister Mark Bailey says the section of highway has been in dire need to help.

“The inadequate pavement conditions could be attributed to the continual increase in commercial vehicle traffic demands and also the age of the road, as many sections of the highway are more than 40 years old,” Bailey says.

“The Flinders Highway is at a point where urgent intervention is required to bring it up to an acceptable standard.”

Construction is scheduled to begin early next year and expected to be completed about 12 months later.

 

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