Works are set to start on the $28.75 million Bowen Developmental Road upgrade between Rockingham Creek and Mount Coolon.
The jointly-funded upgrade between the Australian and Queensland governments will see crews seal a key 25km stretch, located southwest of Collinsville.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the upgrade was funded as part of the $600 million Northern Australia Roads Program (NARP).
“NARP aims to improve high-priority roads which are essential to the movement of people, freight and the north’s economic development,” Mr McCormack said.
“Bowen Developmental Road is a key route, connecting regional communities and towns, servicing the mining and agricultural industries to larger centres and ports.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said in addition to supporting local communities and industry, the upgrade would also create close to 90 jobs.
“Crews will upgrade the section to an eight-metre-wide sealed road with line-marking and new signs – improving travel times and safety,” Mr Bailey said.
“Once complete, the project will also have the added benefit of reducing ongoing maintenance costs and adding new overtaking opportunities.
“It’s part of the Queensland Government’s $14.5 billion roads and transport program for regional Queensland, which is creating 13,500 jobs over the next four years.”
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the start of works on the project was great news for the Collinsville area.
“These road upgrades are an investment in the region” Ms Landry said.
“The upgrades will boost road safety and help locals and tourists to get to their destinations sooner and safer.
“The road improvements will also have a direct positive impact on local industry and business who rely on the roads to make a living.”
This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 funding arrangement.
