Mackay Ring Road Planning Study
The Mackay Ring Road Planning Study will investigate options for a ring road around Mackay, from Sandy Creek in the south to Farleigh in the north and east to the Mackay Port.
The study began in October 2011 and is due for completion in late 2013.
The $10 million study is funded by the Australian Government under the Regional Infrastructure Fund.
About the study
The study will identify a preferred ring road alignment, as well as the cost and timeframe to build the proposed road, and will be used to apply for funding for construction. The study will analyse:
- future growth
- road traffic patterns
- environmental and cultural heritage issues
- economic factors.
The study will plan for the next 20 years and beyond, and will recommend a staged program of projects that are affordable, feasible and provide benefits to industry and the community.
A map of the study area (JPG, 211 KB) is available.
Mackay Ring Road Planning Study: fact sheet (PDF, 797 KB)
Why are we doing the study?
Previous studies have identified the need for an alternate alignment of the Bruce Highway around Mackay, and improved access to the port, due to the following demands:
- growing numbers of large vehicles using the highway
- rapid expansion of industrial areas to support the mining industry
- strong residential growth in the Mackay region
- delayed freight access to the port due to congestion
- heavy and hazardous freight moving from Mackay Harbour to the Paget Industrial area and the hinterland, affecting residents, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users
- insufficient capacity of Nebo Road to allow for future traffic growth
- intersections and roads reaching capacity at peak hours.
Objectives
The aim of the study is to identify a ring road route which will:
- improve freight efficiency in the Mackay area
- improve road safety
- protect and maintain integrity of the national road network
- improve road access between industrial areas and the Mackay Port
- improve road access between homes and jobs.
Timeline
Funding for the study was announced in September 2011, and the study will be developed in four stages.
Stage 1 - Collecting data and identifying issues (commenced October 2011)
During this stage, the department looked at existing data and traffic patterns. The study was introduced to government agencies and industry groups to help identify issues and constraints that will affect the project.
Stage 2 - Developing options (commenced February 2012)
During this stage, potential ring road alignments and road upgrade options in the Mackay area were considered.
Stage 3 - Analysing and evaluating options (commenced May 2012)
During this stage, the project team will identify a preferred option based on:
- effectiveness
- feasibility
- location
- environmental and amenity impacts
- costs
- benefits to the Mackay community.
Stage 4 - Developing business case and engaging with community (commenced March 2013)
The project team will seek input from the community at the start of this stage. A business case, which defines staging, cost and delivery timeframes, will be used to apply for funding for construction.
The study is expected to be completed in September 2013.
Get involved
We will be consulting with the community on the preferred ring road alignment in mid-2013. Information will be available via community displays, fact sheets, information sessions and one-on-one meetings.
If you would like to receive information as it becomes available, please send an email to mackayringroad@tmr.qld.gov.au with your:
- name
- email address
- telephone number
- address, including postcode.
To find out more about the Mackay Ring Road Planning Study, please contact the study team:
Phone: 1800 283 797 (free call within Australia, some charges may apply to mobile phones)
Email: mackayringroad@tmr.qld.gov.au
Post: MRRPS
Reply Paid 85132
Mackay Caneland
Qld 4740
Please note: Using the Reply Paid service, there will be no charge for postage.
