A Shorten Labor Government will help deliver the new Rockhampton Ring Road project.
This project will mean a new 22 kilometre ring road running from the Yeppen Roundabout along the western side of the airport to a third bridge crossing before reconnecting with the existing Highway at Parkhurst.
This is a transformative project for Central Queensland, helping ease congestion on the Bruce Highway and boosting liveability for local residents.
The new Rocky Ring Road will provide a big boost to the economic capacity of Central Queensland, supporting the growth of new local industries and new local jobs.
The Ring Road will take thousands of trucks off local streets, cut travel times, improve road safety and allow the airport to grow into a freight hub
The Bruce Highway presently runs through the heart of Rockhampton meaning increased congestion with vehicles forced to navigate 18 signalled intersections and a further 47 without.
Not only does this impact liveability for residents but the delay in the movement of freight has a significant economic cost for industry.
Specifically, long delays are currently being experienced at Denison Street where slow moving North Coast Line trains close the Highway for long periods, and the road network often takes a long time to dissipate the resulting congestion after each train passes.
A business case is currently being undertaken by the Queensland Government which will determine the final cost of the project. Community consultation is a key element of this work.
This initial planning phase is expected to be completed in the next 18 months’ time.
This commitment to the Rockhampton Ring Road builds on Labor’s strong track record of delivering for Central Queensland’s road network, including the major Yeppen Roundabout and Bridge upgrade.

MONDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER 2018