Priority Status: Priority Project
State: QLD
City: Mackay
Suburbs Affected: Walkerston to Mackay
Peak Downs Highway Realignment: Walkerston Bypass Project Plan
- Peak Downs Highway Realignment: Walkerston Bypass Cost: 150.9 million
- Federal Funding: 120 million
- QLD State Government Funding: 30 million
- Length of Job: 10.4 km
Peak Downs Highway Realignment: Walkerston Bypass Construction Details
Running from the Mackay Ring Road (at Stockroute Road) to west of Walkerston, the initiative involves realigning approximately 10.4 km of the Peak Downs Highway. By redirecting traffic, such as commercial vehicles, from the main street of Walkerston, the benefits gained will be as follows:
- greater freight efficiency and capacity
- better connectivity for large vehicles
- more preferable amenities and safety for Walkerston residents
The bypass will also enable the townships of Ooralea, Mirani and Walkerston to capitalise on urban expansion under the 2012 Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Regional Plan. Implementation of this project will see the benefits of the Stage 1 Mackay Ring Road be realised (under construction) and also improve regional connectivity.
Peak Downs Highway Realignment: Walkerston Bypass Jobs & Community Plan
Peak Downs Highway Realignment: Walkerston Bypass Jobs: Approximately 200
Located near the town Clermont, the Peak Downs Highway runs from the Gregory Highway in Central Queensland to the Bruce Highway in the Port of Mackay. The highway is a vital route given it is the primary access corridor to both the Galilee Basin and Bowen Basin energy and coal provinces. Essential resources such as construction equipment, explosives, plant and equipment and fuel are regularly ferried down the highway, as well as petroleum and raw sugar.
Passing through the Walkerston town centre in its current configuration, the highway runs directly passed shops, schools and community facilities which impacts local residents. The town is also experiencing increasing congestion, which is impacting the efficiency of freight vehicles.
Peak Downs Highway Realignment: Walkerston Bypass Upgrade Timeline
Peak Downs Highway Realignment: Walkerston Bypass - Construction: Early 2021
Peak Downs Highway Realignment: Walkerston Bypass - Completion Date: Late 2023
Peak Downs Highway Realignment: Walkerston Bypass - Timeframe: 0-5 years
Source: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/W/Walkerston-Bypass, https://www.i-q.net.au/main/walkerston-bypass-added-to-priority-infrastructure-list