Ahead of major works to the $1 billion Inland Freight Route, an early package of works will focus on areas to the north of Injune and in the vicinity of Belyando.
The $107 million early works package will include:
- Two bridge upgrades between Injune and Rolleston on the Carnarvon Highway.
- Major culvert upgrades between Roma and Injune on the Carnarvon Highway.
- Two road strengthening and widening projects (in sections) between Clermont and Charters Towers on the Gregory Developmental Road in the vicinity of Belyando.
This follows $109 million in jointly funded upgrades recently delivered on the Inland Freight Route and key feeder roads, as part of the Roads of Strategic Importance program and road economic stimulus packages.
The Inland Freight Route, dubbed the “Second Bruce”, is a 1185-kilometre north-south alternative to the Bruce Highway, which will form a critical freight corridor between Mungindi and Charters Towers.
The major infrastructure project is being funded by the federal and Queensland governments, on an 80:20 basis, with Queensland funding the early works package.
“Bringing forward the Queensland portion of funding for the Inland Freight Route between Mundgindi and Charters Towers is vital,” said Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey.
“The Bruce Highway is the single most important highway in the country.
“By building a better Inland Freight Route targeted at taking trucks off the Bruce, we are ensuring strong supply chains and driving economic growth for regional industries and communities.
“Not only that, upgrades will improve connectivity and safety to help keep our state moving with a viable alternative to the Bruce Highway.
Early works will begin with a $19.7 million bridge upgrade over the Dawson River, north of Injune, that will widen the existing bridge from 7.4 metres to 10.3 metres.
Works will also realign the bridge approaches to improve safety and accessibility for heavy vehicles. This is the first of two bridge upgrades between Injune and Rolleston.
“It will provide an alternative route for truckies and keep communities connected during major flood events,” said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“Our government wants to see this critical freight corridor built, so we’re honouring our commitment to this project and getting works started now.”
“We are calling on the federal government to keep their commitment to the Inland Freight Route and honour the 80:20 agreed funding arrangement.”