MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 26 June 2009 AA316/2009 Joint Media release issued by Jan McLucas, Senator for Queensland and Craig Wallace, QLD Minister for Main Roads

Official commissioning celebrates two landmark road projects More than $170 million worth of high-profile road infrastructure projects will be officially commissioned today (26 June) by Senator Jan McLucas and Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace in Townsville. Representing Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, Senator McLucas said the commissioning of the two projects recognised the Federal and State governments working together to deliver two of Townsville's most significant road projects. "Both the Townsville Ring Road and the Bruce Highway upgrade between Woodlands Shopping Centre and Veales Road are designed to reduce congestion and improve road safety and efficiency for motorists," Senator McLucas said. "The Federal Government provided $79.5 million towards the $119 million cost of the Townsville Ring Road project, in partnership with the Queensland Government. "We also committed $52 million to the Woodlands to Veales upgrade as part of a $347 million Bruce Highway Accelerated Upgrade Package. "Each project takes into account projected future urban growth, and is designed to meet long-term local and highway traffic needs." Mr Wallace said the Townsville Ring Road project provided a popular, high-speed alternative for both local motorists and heavy vehicles. "The Ring Road provides a shorter, more efficient route around Townsville, which is particularly useful for heavy vehicles," Mr Wallace said.  "Another key benefit is that it is built to withstand a one in 50 year flood event and will also provide access from the city to the north during major rainfall. "Similarly, the Woodlands to Veales upgrade is designed to assist with flood immunity and to improve safety and access for Townsville motorists and highway traffic. "Motorists who use both of these routes have remarked to me what a difference these projects have made to traffic congestion." A major aspect of the upgrade was the construction of an overpass to provide a better link for motorists from Bushland Beach and Mt Low to the Bruce Highway, and reduce congestion at the Mt Low parkway intersection. The overpass splits north and southbound traffic, providing uninterrupted flows along the highway. Mr Wallace said both projects had provided much needed employment opportunities. "The Townsville Ring Road project sustained around 897 direct and indirect jobs during its two year construction period on stages two and three," he said. "The Woodlands to Veales upgrade sustained jobs for around 374 people directly and indirectly throughout the region." Media Contacts ( Mr Wallace's office ) 07 3896 3691 ( Senator McLucas's office ) 0434 663 757   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2009/June/aa316_2009.htm