The final phase of Townsville’s Port Access road is quickly taking shape with the new bridge across the Ross River and the northern approach almost finished.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said that the $190 million project was on track to be completed and open to traffic by Christmas this year.
“Together with the project’s first stage – the Stuart Bypass which opened to traffic in early 2010 – the final 7.5 kilometre section will provide the first ever direct link between the Flinders and Bruce Highways and the Port. It will take up to 500 trucks a day off local suburban streets,” Albanese said this week.
The Port Access Road is a joint project with the Federal and Queensland Governments each contributing $95 million. Since the start of the construction it has directly and indirectly supported some 960 jobs.
The Federal Government is investing $420 million into Townsville’s road network including the City’s Ring Road and duplicating the Bruce Highway between Vantassel Street and the Flinders Highway.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said, once completed, the new Port Access Road will help support Townsville’s growing population and the region’s rapid economic development.
“By taking trucks off suburban streets, this new direct link to the Port will go a long way to easing congestion and helping make Townsville an even better place to live, work and raise a family,” Emerson said.
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