Quick link for Bundy motorists now open

The Kay McDuff Drive extension opened to traffic today with the $2.8 million upgrade set to pay dividends for local motorists and freight operators.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the project, which will provide a direct link to the Bundaberg Ring Road, would support the movement of local traffic and freight within the region.

“With the completion of this 450 metre extension, more than 6,200 vehicles travelling along Kay McDuff Drive every day will now have direct access to the Bundaberg Ring Road, saving time and reducing congestion on local roads,” Mr Chester said.

“The project is part of the Australian Governments broader Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme, in which the Government has committed $368 million from 2013-14 to 2021-22.

“It will provide an upgraded intersection with dedicated left and right hand lanes, while also providing direct access to a central freight corridor for more than 320 heavy vehicles daily. This will increase productivity and reduce wear and tear on local joining roads.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said he was pleased to see the Australian Government working closely with regional communities to improve the local road network.

“The new link will take trucks away from the Shalom College precinct and offer potential relief to traffic congestion on Enterprise and Maynard Streets,” Mr Pitt said.

“In addition to the new lanes and extension of the existing road, it has delivered new street lighting, which will improve road safety and amenity for residents.

“This upgrade has improved one of Bundaberg’s key freight routes, we know how important it is for local businesses to move freight as efficiently and effectively as possible,” he said.

Mayor of Bundaberg Regional Council Jack Dempsey said the Kay McDuff Drive extension was the first of a number of road improvement projects being undertaken in the area.

“This has been a much anticipated project that significantly benefit businesses established in the adjacent industrial area, as well as heavy vehicle freight companies and I am pleased to see the project delivered,” Cr Dempsey said.

The Australian Government is contributing $1.4 million, the State Government is contributing $796,000, and the Bundaberg Regional Council $611,000.