KBR (Kellog Brown and Root) has been appointed to coordinate the extensive upgrade of the intersection between Mains and Kessels Roads - which from an engineering perspective is an extremely complex road project.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the appointment of a project manager will allow for construction to quickly ramp up once a preferred builder has been selected later this year.

“After three years of extensive public consultations and preconstruction activities, we expect major construction work on the Mains-Kessels Upgrade to begin early next year and be completed in 2014,” said Mr Albanese.

“This fully Federally funded project is all about keeping Brisbane moving, just one part of the Gillard Labor Government’s unprecedented $5.7 billion investment in the South East Corner’s road and rail infrastructure.”

The $300 million Mains-Kessels Upgrade will free up the movement of cars and trucks through the intersection by eliminating the existing traffic lights and diverting Kessels Road beneath Mains Road.

Queensland Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said once completed, the new interchange will reduce travel times for the more than 90,000 vehicles which use this intersection every day.

“Importantly, based on the planning work we’ve done this new piece of road infrastructure will be able to cater for the predicted growth in traffic volumes, not just for the next two years but for the next two decades,” said Mr Wallace.

“To cater for the growth in the years ahead as well as to improve the safety for pedestrians, buses and cyclists, the upgrade will separate through-traffic on Kessels Road from Mains Road.

“KBR’s team of professionals will work closely with the construction contractor and the Department of Transport and Main Roads to ensure that all the transport benefits are delivered as planned.”

For more information call 1800 227 804 or email mainskessels@tmr.qld.gov.au