The Palaszczuk Government’s $80 million congestion-tackling Sumners Road overpass project continues to gain momentum, with the first of two new bridges now complete.
It’s part of a multi-billion dollar pipeline of infrastructure projects being built right now by the state government, supporting thousands of jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it’s projects like the Sumners Road Interchange which are an important economic driver and vital in supporting jobs during these challenging times.
“We have a $23 billion roads and transport program in Queensland, and I want every Queenslander to know that we’re powering ahead with these projects to help support 21,500 jobs, including 13,500 in our regions,” the Premier said.
“These infrastructure projects are not only playing an essential role in leading our economic recovery by creating local jobs but they’re critical to cater for our growing communities.”
The Premier said her government was committed to supporting a pipeline of upgrades to improve travel times on the Centenary Motorway.
“More than 35,000 vehicles use this stretch of road daily and I want people to be able to get home sooner and safer so they can spend more time with their families,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Member for Mount Ommaney Jess Pugh is thrilled to see this major milestone achieved.
“The new bridge will be a welcome sight for many local families and commuters are heading back to work for the first time in weeks,” Ms Pugh said.
“This milestone is concrete evidence of the Palaszczuk government’s action on traffic congestion and I am really pleased to deliver this project in my first term.
“Our community has waited so long for this project, and I am really pleased that we have been able to continue working though the Health Emergency. It is so exciting to see the first bridge finished, and I can’t wait to see the second bridge underway soon.
“In total, the Sumners Road project would need 17,000 tonnes of asphalt, 6,000 tonnes of concrete and 36 girders – and it’s local businesses and 105 workers who will build it.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the major milestone would pave the way for the next stage of the project to begin: the demolition of the old bridge, and the construction of a new eastbound-four lane overpass.
“The LNP cut this project, and if they had their way that would mean 105 less jobs, and no business for many Queensland companies,” Mr Bailey said.
“Thanks to the advocacy of local MP Jess Pugh, this government restored funding and right from the get go, we’ve seen Queensland businesses get involved in this project from the Brisbane-based major contractor right down to the bridge girders being produced at Seventeen Mile Rocks.”
The Sumners Road overpass project is on-track for completion next year, and once complete will include:
- new signalised intersections that will replace the 2 existing roundabouts
- a new 2-lane eastbound bridge
- a new 4-lane bridge with provisions for pedestrians and active transport users (replacing the existing westbound bridge)
- a cycle track will be built as an underpass below the western intersection and will link up with the Centenary Motorway Bikeway.
