New $70m funding commitment to further improve Stuart Drive in QLD

The Stuart Drive – one of Townsville’s busiest roads – will soon receive a major upgrade that will help ease congestion as well as improve safety for all road users. 

The Queensland Government is committing $70 million towards the delivery of a second upstream bridge over Townsville’s Ross River adjacent the existing Bowen Road Bridge. 

“The Palaszczuk Government’s 22-23 budget is delivering record, on record, on record, in health, education and transport right across the state. 

“This level of investment is one that is supporting jobs in Townsville and delivering a better road and transport system for locals to make sure every person gets home safer and sooner. 

“Our $70 million investment is just another example of that commitment in action for the people of Townsville,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

This new funding injection builds on the investment already committed for the surrounding road network. 

Under the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP), $46.4 million has been allocated to duplicate Stuart Drive to four lanes between University Road and Bowen Road Bridge. This funding will cover: 

• Replacing the Mervyn Crossman Drive and Fairfield Waters Drive roundabout with a signalised intersection 
• Signalising the Gartell Drive and Kokoda Street intersections 
• Safety upgrades for pedestrians and bike riders, including wider paths, better connections, and safer crossings 

“As more people move to Queensland, and to our regional centres, it’s important that we are delivering upgrades now to prepare for future demand. 

“About 24,000 people use this section of Stuart Drive each day, so I’m pleased to see this work pushing forward,” Member for Mindingburra Les Walker said. 

Early works to duplicate Stuart Drive are scheduled to commence later this year, which includes extensive utilities relocation such as electrical, water and telecommunications. 

By mid-2023, construction will begin to replace the Mervyn Crossman Drive roundabout with a signalised intersection as well as works to signalise the Kokoda Street intersection. 

“This will be followed by works to upgrade Stuart Drive to four lanes from University Road, including signalising the Gartell Drive intersection. 

“It’s anticipated that works on the Stuart Drive duplication project will be completed in late-2024, weather and construction conditions permitting,” Mr Walker said. 

Mr Walker added that construction on the second Bowen Road Bridge is due to begin by mid-2024, weather and construction conditions permitting. 

The Stuart Drive project, including the new Bowen Road Bridge, is being delivered as part of the significant investment through QTRIP. 

“This blockbuster, $29.7 billion road and transport plan is supporting 25,220 jobs over four years and I’m proud that our slice of Queensland paradise is a big winner. 

“Important upgrades like this will see Queenslanders getting home safer and sooner, spending more time with family and friends enjoying all the great things Townsville has to offer,” Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said. 

You can read more about the $29.7 billion QTRIP investment here. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; The National Tribune