The federal government has approved funding for upgrades to the Richmond to Winton Road, under the $100 million Northern Australia Beef Roads Program.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the Richmond to Winton Road upgrades would help support the economic development of the beef industry.
“The upgrades made through the Northern Australia Beef Roads Program form part of the Australian Government's record $75 billion investment, which is creating jobs and a more effective national road network,” Mr Chester said.
“The Richmond to Winton Road upgrades will involve pavement construction and bitumen sealing a total of 9.5 kilometres of the Richmond to Winton Road.”
Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the works were essential for Queensland to connect the paddocks to market.
“The upgrades will be delivered in two packages: the first consisting of more than seven kms of upgrades, and the second providing a further two kilometres of upgrades,” he said.
“These works are going to make the road safer for road trains, as well as allow for safer overtaking opportunities for passenger and freight vehicles, improving safety for residents and tourists using the route.
“Works are on track for completion in 2019. Package One is due to start in mid-2018 and is scheduled for completion by late-2018, with Package Two due to start in early-2019 and scheduled for completion by mid-2019.”
The Richmond to Winton Progressive Sealing Packages are being funded with the Australian Government contributing $3.77 million and the Queensland Government $860,000.