Gateway Motorway project powering ahead

The $1.162 billion Gateway Upgrade North project between Nudgee and Bracken Ridge is powering ahead with early works complete and major works starting early next year.

Minister for Major Projects Paul Fletcher visited the site today to discuss progress on the jointly-funded 11.3 kilometre upgrade through Brisbane’s north.

“Fulton Hogan’s completion of preliminary works is an important milestone for one of Queensland’s busiest motorways,” Mr Fletcher said.

“With the earthworks and drainage extensions at Nudgee and north of Nundah Creek finished, the site is ready for major construction activities to start in the New Year.

“Once completed in late 2018, the project will include extra lanes, new interchanges, widening Deagon Deviation and a new off-road shared pedestrian and cycle path between Nudgee and Bracken Ridge.

“The project will also provide valuable employment opportunities for more than 1,000 Queenslanders over the next three years.”

Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports, Mark Bailey said the project would also deliver substantial economic rewards.

“Ultimately, the project will provide far-reaching benefits for the 80,000 motorists that use the motorway each day,” Mr Bailey said.

“All road users, from local motorists to freight operators servicing the wider community will experience a boost in productivity.

“From a national transport network perspective, the widening from four to six lanes will cut congestion along this section to ensure more reliable travel times for motorists, including a significant number of freight operators.

“The initiative will help meet future transport needs of the region’s growing population by targeting capacity, congestion and safety issues faced by road users each day.”

The Australian Government has committed up to $929.58 million and the Queensland Government $232.42 million to the Gateway Upgrade North project.

For further project information visit www.gatewayupgradenorth.com.au