Major Local Road Upgrades to Drive Recovery
A $95 million upgrade to Riverway Drive and a major study to identify priority sections of the Bruce Highway for duplication are two major announcements as part of tomorrow night’s Federal Budget to help drive Townsville’s recovery from COVID-19.
Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said duplication and safety upgrade works to Riverway Drive between Allambie Lane and Dunlop Street would be a major catalyst for economic activity.
“This commitment is so important not only for the residents of the Upper Ross but also our economy,” Mr Thompson said.
“This budget is going to be all about creating jobs and keeping people in jobs. This project alone will support an estimated 280 jobs.
“This project will see safety upgrades for a 3.1km section between Allambie Lane and Dunlop Street, as well as the duplication of a 1.6 kilometre section between Allambie Lane and Hammond Way.
“These are major works which will see improved travel times, reduced congestion and better road safety.”
Meanwhile $20 million has been set aside in the Budget for a major Upgrade Strategy study for the Bruce Highway, which will help identify priority sections of the road between Curra and Cairns for duplication.
“We’ve already allocated $10 billion for safety upgrades across the state and this announcement is the next stage to fixing Queensland’s busiest highway,” Mr Thompson said.
“Too many people die on our roads and there is nothing more important than ensuring everyone who leaves in the morning comes home to their family at night.”
The 2020 Federal Budget will be handed down at 6:30pm Queensland time tomorrow night.
ENDS