The Mackay Ring Road—Stage 1 project has reached a major construction milestone last month with the placement of the first concrete girder on the new Pioneer River Bridge.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project would deliver a better and safer road network through the area.
"We are investing to build the Mackay Ring Road locals need and deserve," Mr McCormack said.
"Once completed, the crossing will create another vital connection between the north and south of Mackay as well as reduce travel times.
"The volume of cross-river traffic continues to grow and this new bridge will provide another river crossing option for motorists. It will also provide a direct route for through-traffic and heavy vehicles, reducing traffic on Nebo Road and other Pioneer River crossings."
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the placement of the first T-girder was a key component for the new bridge.
"It is an important milestone for a project that will see construction of four water crossings and nine overpass structures, with the Pioneer River crossing being the largest of the bridges being built," MrBailey said.
"In total, 150 girders will be constructed, transported and placed. Each girder is 35 metres long, weighs up to 82 tonnes and measures over 1.8 metres in height.
"The manufacture of T-girders has commenced and once completed, the 670-metre long bridge will cater for a one-in-100-year flood and support the future growth of Mackay."
Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said the project would see construction of major junctions and bridges to improve travel times and reduce accidents.
"In addition, the project will continue to generate and support jobs in Northern Queensland with an average of 534 jobs being supported over the life of the project," Mr Christensen said.
"The Australian Government has committed $397.9million toward the $497.3million project in partnership with the Queensland Government."
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said it was very pleasing that so many of the people working on the ring road were from the Mackay region.
"It is an exciting time for our local contractors and trades people," Ms Gilbert said.
"The Mackay Ring Road is showcasing the high quality of work being produced right here in North Queensland and I want to congratulate all of the locals who are contributing to this great project."
The project is expected to be completed in early-2020, weather permitting.
