Highway on big screen
Video explains details of $481m project
THE full scope of the $481 million highway duplication between Edmonton and Gordonvale has now been laid out in simple and easily understood terms.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has created a flyover video explaining the length and breadth of the 10.5km project ahead of next year’s construction start.
The footage starts at Edmonton and winds its way down to Gordonvale, following the path of the new road across sugarcane crops, creeks and what is currently wooded land.
“This exciting $481 million project will deliver a total transport solution, long-term improvements to traffic flow and road safety for all motorists,” the narrator states.
The project’s first big job along the southern route will be a new signalised intersection at Petersen Rd.
Road and rail bridges will be built at Stoney Creek and Wrights Creek as the two-lane highway doubles in width.
“We are also building a new Bruce Hwy overpass connecting to both Pine Creek-Yarrabah Rd and Maitland Rd, which will greatly improve highway access, safety and connectivity.
“Upgrades to the signalised intersection at Draper Rd and Riverstone Rd will improve traffic flow for motorists.”
Several smaller intersections and highway accesses will be partially closed or removed entirely to improve safety.
“Works include the realignment and upgrade of Queensland Rail’s North Coast line to accommodate the duplicated highway,” the narrator says.
“Better, safer facilities will be provided for cyclists and the active transport community, with a new full-length off-road cycleway.”
The upgrades will allow the posted speed limit between Edmonton and Gordonvale to be increased to 100km/h.
Up to 466 direct jobs are expected to be created during construction and associated 4.7km relocation of the north coast rail line.
John Holland Seymour Whyte AECOM Group will take the lead on design and construction.
See the video at: www.cairnspost.com.au