Safety upgrades to a section of the Peak Downs Highway between Eton and Mackay have been completed.
This $18 million road safety improvement project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 basis, with the Australian Government contributing $14.4 million.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the works would make the road safer for motorists.
“The works included widening sections, upgrading intersections and addressing roadside hazards to improve the safety of the highway between Eton and Mackay,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The Targeted Road Safety Works program is part of a federal and state partnership, through the $415 million jointly funded infrastructure investment response to COVID-19 in Queensland.
“The package forms part of an infrastructure pipeline to economic recovery on the other side of the pandemic.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Peak Downs Highway was one of the state’s leading freight routes.
“The Peak Downs Highway is the principal freight corridor supplying the coal mines of the northern Bowen Basin, carrying significant volumes of freight including oversize and over-mass vehicles transporting mining equipment,” Minister Bailey said.
“It is also the principal corridor for drive-out mine workers.
“The project focused on high-priority sections between Mackay and Eton Township, about 26 kilometres west of the city.”
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the project delivered better regional connectivity between Eton, Walkerston and Mackay City, and provided a boost to the local economy and local jobs.
“This project complements several projects underway on the Peak Downs Highway, totalling more than $71 million,” Ms Landry said.
“This project is a fantastic example of our commitment to get Queenslanders home sooner and safer.”
More information on the Australian Government’s infrastructure investment response to COVID-19, including Targeted Road Safety Works, is available at https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/national-initiatives/response-to-covid-19.aspx.
