Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), University Road to Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia), improve safety

The Townsville Connection Road is being upgraded to dual lanes between University Road and Bowen Road Bridge. The project includes upgrades at 3 intersections: Gartrell Drive, Mervyn Crossman Drive/Fairfield Waters Drive and Kokoda Street.

Benefits

• Improves safety
• Increases capacity
• Improves network efficiency
• Increases traffic flow
• Reduces peak hour congestion
• Better road access
• Accessibility
• Better active transport

Key features

• Upgrade Townsville Connection Road to 4 lanes between University Road and Bowen Road Bridge.
• Replace the roundabout at the Townsville Connection Road and Mervyn Crossman Drive/Fairfield Waters Drive with a signalised intersection.
• Signalise the Gartrell Drive and Kokoda Street intersections to allow safer side street access.
• Safety upgrades for pedestrians and bicycle riders, including wider paths, better connections, and safer crossings.

Funding

This project is fully funded by the Queensland Government. Investment ID 1810128

Current status

Construction started on 4 December 2023 with completion expected in mid-2025, weather and construction conditions permitting. 

Engagement with key stakeholders has been ongoing and will continue throughout the construction phase. 

Project timeline

August 2022: detailed design completed.
December 2022: early works started, including property resumptions and public utility relocations.
December 2023: construction started.
Mid-2025: construction expected to be completed.

Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), University Road to Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia), improve safety project location map

Townsville Connection Road artist’s impression

Flythrough video

Video Transcript

Flythrough aerial video depicting the planned changes for the Townsville Connection Road. Video starts by heading east on Stuart Drive, while highlighting the new jointly funded shared pathways from University Drive to the Fairfield Central shopping centre. The video then shows the duplication of Stuart Drive to four lanes between University Road and Bowen Road Bridge, and the upgrade of Gartrell Drive to a signalised intersection, including a new dedicated access to the Townsville Cycle Club. The video continues along Stuart Drive and highlights the major upgrade at the Mervyn Crossman Drive, Stuart Drive and Fairfield Waters Drive intersection. This intersection which will change from a roundabout to a signalised intersection, the service road exit out of the Fairfield Waters shopping complex will be closed, and two new bus stops will be installed on Stuart Drive. The video continues east and highlights the upgrades of the Kokoda Street intersection to a signalised intersection. The video also showcases pedestrian infrastructure and bicycle lane upgrades along Stuart Drive, between University Road and Bowen Road Bridge. The video then highlights the Bowen Road Bridge duplication project, which includes a new dual lane inbound bridge next to the existing bridge, with active transport infrastructure underneath the bridge and two new U-turn lanes near Viles Street intersection.