Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, said delivering $397.9 million towards the project was another element of the $8.5 billion task of fixing the Bruce Highway.

Federal Member for Dawson, George Christensen, said the project would take heavy vehicle traffic away from Mackayâ€s CBD and residential areas, and create a bypass for all vehicles, which arenâ€t heading into Brisbane.

The Mackay Ring Road has been recognised as one of the most significant projects to be undertaken in the nation over the next fifteen years by the independent infrastructure advisor Infrastructure Australia.

According to Christensen, the first stage of the project would upgrade more than 11 kilometers of road between Stockroute and Bald Hill Roads, with the specific purpose of reducing traffic congestion and accidents.

“The ring road is going to make a big difference to travel times – itâ€s thought it will cut travel time for trucks heading to the port by 20% to 30%, and bypassing traffic by 50%,” Mr Christensen said.

Work on Stage One is due to start mid-year and be completed by early 2020. The Australian Government has committed up to $397.9 million to the Bruce Highway — Mackay Ring Road — Stage 1 project, with the Queensland Government committing up to $99.4 million.

(Reference: Prime Mover Magazine, Queensland freight road to receive $400m upgrade, March, 15th 2017)

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