By Amanda Wright
The Queensland state government and federal opposition have both claimed a role in the nearing completion of the $251 million Walkerston Bypass, a project set to improve safety and traffic flow on the Peak Downs Highway.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, pointed to the LNP’s significant contribution of $181.83 million, secured in 2020, as critical to the project’s funding. Landry emphasised the bypass as another example of the former Coalition Government delivering for regional communities by removing heavy vehicles from Walkerston’s town centre, enhancing safety near local schools.
Meanwhile, the Queensland Government has overseen the construction since May 2022, with state officials highlighting the project as part of their broader investment in regional transport infrastructure. Labor’s focus has been on the bypass's role in improving safety for motorists and boosting efficiency for industries in the Bowen Basin.
The bypass will deliver a new two-lane rural highway to connect the Peak Downs Highway west of Walkerston to the Mackay Ring Road near Paget.
In September, traffic was switched from the Peak Downs Highway at Greenmount to a 700-metre section of the bypass while works on adjacent local service roads continue.
Works to construct a new bridge with improved flood immunity over Bakers Creek and three new road overpasses above the local road and cane rail network are almost complete.
The bypass will improve safety for local residents by removing heavy vehicle traffic out of Walkerston town centre and away from local schools and businesses.
The new route will provide a safer and more efficient link for the mining industry between Mackay and the Bowen Basin and become the designated heavy vehicle route for B-double and other multi-combination vehicles, including A-double road trains, between the Bruce Highway and the Peak Downs Highway.
When completed, the Walkerston Bypass will be an integral part of an integrated transport network in the region connecting to major infrastructure projects completed in the last five years including the Peak Downs Highway Eton Range Realignment, the Mackay Ring Road, and the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade; and key projects in the final stages of delivery including the connection from the Mackay Ring Road to Bald Hill Road.
Minister for Child Safety, Seniors, Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs, Charise Mullen said that since the start of construction in May 2022, a massive amount of work has been achieved on site.
“More than 600 thousand cubic metres of earth – the equivalent of 246 Olympic-sized pools – have been shifted from cuts to fill areas,” Minister Mullen said.
“Over 170,000 tonnes of foam bitumen pavements have been laid throughout the 10.4km alignment.
“A new bridge with improved flood immunity over Bakers Creek has been constructed as well as three new road overpasses above the local road and cane rail network – this included the delivery and installation of 21 T - girders and 102 deck units.
"Together, these projects will secure the long-term liveability of the Mackay area and support expansive future economic growth."
Labor candidate for Mackay, Belinda Hassan said that every upgrade on every highway is designed to improve safety and better manage the varied uses of our roads, including motorists and heavy vehicles for primary industries and freight.
“The Walkerston Bypass is an important part of the road network and will support our region for generations to come,” Ms Hassan said.
“This is a big project for the Mackay region, that will benefit our industries and communities alike.
“By taking heavy vehicles off major highways like the Bruce and Peak Downs Highways, making a safer drive for all motorists.”
Ms Landry added that the town of Walkerston has been hampered by heavy vehicles passing dangerously close to the local school.
“These improvements will not only enhance the safety but also the amenity of the town’s road networks,” Ms Landry said.
“Walkerston Bypass complements other road projects which I have secured funding for, including the $11.5 million Sarina Northern Access Upgrade, $21.6 million to improving five bridges on the Peak Downs Highway and the $166.7 million Eton Range upgrade,” Ms Landry added.
“These essential upgrades are a prime example of why we need to have the 80:20 funding model restored.
“Without the significant investment made by the former Coalition Government, projects like the Walkerston Bypass and Sarina Northern Access Upgrade would simply not come to fruition,” Ms Landry said.
The Walkerston Bypass is estimated to support an average of 225 direct jobs over the life of the project with completion expected in late 2024.
Drone imagery showing progress on the Walkerston Bypass, set to open later this year. Image source: TMR
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