Contractor named for Townsville ring road

The Townsville ring road project has shifted up a gear, with a contractor recently named and work to begin early next year

Construction and engineering specialist Seymour Whyte was recently named as the successful contractor for the Townsville ring road, with work to commence in early 2015.

The $200 million project will see a free-flowing arterial constructed around the northern Queensland city from north to south, while also improving access to the Port of Townsville.

Australia's largest copper, zinc, lead and sugar export port, the Port of Townsville handles the export of around 75 per cent of all metals exported from Queensland. Currently handling over 32 commodities via nine operational berths, the proposed Port Expansion Project (artist's impression pictured) could see the port's capabilities boosted with the addition of six further berths and an extra 100 hectares of reclaimed land.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren Truss, said the project's completion would reduce costs for freight operators.

"The Australian Government's commitment of $160 million towards the project will see uninterrupted traffic flow from the north of Townsville to the south," he said.

"Motorists and the local community will benefit from a safer and more efficient road network, while freight operators will enjoy reduced business costs," he said.

Member for Herbert, Ewen Jones, said the on-going investment in the Bruce Highway was of huge benefit to the state.

"North Queensland needs strong transport links for moving freight and expanding the entire region's economy," he said.

"The project will include a new 11-kilometre four-lane road link, new bridges over Saunders and Stony Creeks and new pedestrian and cycling facilities. It will also offer a boost for local industry, requiring a lot of locally sourced materials and services, injecting vital funds into the local economy."

The project is expected to be completed by mid-2017.

Contractor named for Townsville ring road

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