The long awaited Calliope Crossroads Upgrade is underway, with the existing congested and increasingly notorious intersection between the Bruce and Dawson Highways set to be replaced with what will be the largest interchange in regional Queensland.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese was today onsite for the ground-breaking ceremony marking the start of work on this $150 million fully-Federally funded project.
“After four years of detailed planning, extensive community consultations and preconstruction activities, we have today pressed the start button on a project which is all about putting in place the infrastructure necessary to support the region’s booming economy,” said Mr Albanese.
“I’m confident that this upgrade provides a solution not just for the next three years but for the next three decades, one which reflects the community’s expectations and the region’s long term infrastructure needs.
“Once completed in 2015, the new interchange will significantly ease local traffic congestion as well as deliver safer, quicker driving conditions for the more than 6,000 motorists and 1,600 truck drivers that pass through this intersection each day.”
The project will erect a 64 metre long bridge over the Dawson Highway, construct on and off ramps, install two signalised intersections and provide shared pedestrian/cycle paths alongside the Dawson Highway.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the Calliope Crossroads Upgrade is the region’s number one infrastructure priority.
“Completion of this project will deliver a major victory for the communities of both Gladstone and Calliope as well as the regular users of both the Bruce and Dawson highways,” said Mr Emerson.
“What’s more, considering the Dawson Highway forms part of a strategic link between the Gladstone Port and the Central Queensland mining, agricultural and industrial enterprises, it will also support economic growth across the region.”
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Calliope Crossroads
Aerial Photo of Calliope Crossroads