The Federal Government has announced that the $190 million Townsville Port Access Road is progressing on time and will be completed and open to traffic by Christmas.

 

The jointly Federal and State Funded project has been four years in the working, with teams working to complete the final stretches of the project that will see a new bridge built over the Ross River.

 

“Together with the project’s first stage—the Stuart Bypass which opened to traffic in early 2010—this final 7.5 kilometre section will provide the first ever direct link between the Flinders and Bruce Highways and the Port. It will take up to 500 trucks a day off local suburban streets,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure Anthony Albanese said.

 

The Port Access Road is a joint project with the Federal and Queensland governments each contributing $95 million.

 

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said once completed, the new Port Access Road will help support the City’s growing population and the region’s rapid economic development.

 

“By taking trucks off local suburban streets, this new direct link to the Port will go a long way to easing congestion and helping to make Townsville an even better place to live, work and raise a family,” said Mr Emerson.