- Rockhampton Ring Road construction is accelerating, with foundation piling now underway for the new Fitzroy River bridge between Pink Lily and Parkhurst.
- The temporary work platform across the Fitzroy River is nearing completion, while the Werribee Street precast yard prepares to manufacture the 312 concrete segments needed for the new bridge.
- Major structures are continuing to take shape across the project, with installation of the final girders for the Capricorn Highway connector bridge expected Saturday.
- The projects, funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are helping get Queenslanders home sooner and safer.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have marked major milestones on the Rockhampton Ring Road this week with progress at Fitzroy River bridge, Capricorn Highway Connector Bridge, the Werribee Street precast yard and several overpasses north of the river.
On Thursday, piling started on Rockhampton’s third crossing of the Fitzroy River at the Pink Lily riverbank for the new bridge. These works are the very start of construction for the foundation of the 435-metre bridge linking Pink Lily and Parkhurst.
At the same time, the temporary work platform continues to advance across the Fitzroy River, with only five spans remaining before reaching the Parkhurst riverbank. Once complete, the structure will connect both sides of the river and support the movement of machinery, materials and bridge components needed to build the new bridge.
On Saturday, the last of 150 girders required for the Capricorn Highway connector bridge was installed. Each girder measures 34 metres in length and weighs 84 tonnes. Together, they form the superstructure of the 841-metre bridge, one of the largest structures on the project.
In North Rockhampton, construction of the Werribee Street precast yard shed and installation of gantry cranes are now complete ahead of commissioning in October. The purpose-built facility will manufacture the 312 concrete segments required for the new Fitzroy River bridge.
The Rockhampton Ring Road is jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments and will deliver a 14.7 kilometre western link of the Bruce Highway, improving safety, flood resilience, freight efficiency and travel time reliability for Central Queensland.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the project continued to demonstrate strong progress across multiple fronts.
“From the commencement of work on the new Fitzroy River bridge linking Pink Lily and Parkhurst to the near completion of girder installation on the Capricorn Highway connector bridge, the Rockhampton Ring Road is making significant progress,” Minister King said.
“This investment is supporting local jobs, providing opportunities for local industry and delivering the infrastructure needed to support Central Queensland’s future growth.”
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said communities were now seeing visible progress across the length of the project.
“With rowing confirmed for Rockhampton in 2032, the world will be looking to Central Queensland, with tourists, athletes and support staff all visiting – and the Rockhampton Ring Road is how they’re going to get around,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“The progress we’re seeing across the project shows the Crisafulli Government is delivering on our plan to get Queenslanders home safer and sooner, and to build Queensland’s future.
“Whether it’s the new Fitzroy River bridge, the Capricorn Highway connector bridge or the overpasses taking shape north of the river, this project is delivering the infrastructure needed to improve connectivity for communities, strengthen flood resilience and support freight movements across Central Queensland.
“When the world visits in 2032, they’ll get here on the Rockhampton Ring Road – and when the Games is over, it will remain as another example of the generational infrastructure we’re delivering for Central Queensland.”
