Shovels hit the ground on the Capricorn Highway Duplication
Posted on November 12th, 2019
The first sod has been turned to mark the start of construction on the $74.99 million Capricorn Highway duplication between Rockhampton and Gracemere in Central Queensland. The project is part of the Northern Australia Roads Program which supports the movement of people and freight in northern Australia.
The Capricorn Highway is Central Queensland’s main east-west freight corridor and is a nationally significant route. The project will deliver 5.2 kilometres of four-lane highway between Rockhampton and Gracemere and benefit businesses, primary producers and local communities.
Because the highway serves as the main distributor for traffic between Rockhampton and Gracemere, the contractor, Fulton Hogan, has designed innovative solutions to support traffic growth on the Capricorn Highway focusing on optimising traffic solutions.
In addition, the duplication will improve road safety through reducing the risk of head-on crashes, as the need for high-risk overtaking manoeuvres will be reduced. Project works will also include on-road cycling facilities and vital intersection upgrades at McLaughlin Street, as well as a new Fairy Bower Road/Old Capricorn Highway connection.
The project will provide a boost for the local economy with 187 jobs supported over its life, reduced travel times and improved access to Rockhampton during moderate flood events.
There will be speed restrictions and traffic controls put in place to ensure the safety of all road users and construction workers while works are underway.
The $74.99 million Capricorn Highway Duplication project is jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $59.99 million and the Queensland Government $15 million. It is expected to be completed by early 2021, weather permitting.
