Work on the Boundary Road extension in Hervey Bay will start within months after Fraser Coast Regional Council this week awarded the $20 million construction contract to local company SGQ.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said this was a critical road project for the region.

“As the Fraser Coast population continues to grow the region needs improved connectivity and this extension will provide that link,” he said.

“Through the Hinkler Regional Deal, the Australian Government has provided $7.7 million to the project from the Roads of Strategic Importance Initiative.

“It’s great to see another Hinkler Regional Deal project get underway on the Fraser Coast. The Hervey Bay Airport upgrade was completed last year and the Fraser Coast Hospice will be officially opened next month.”

Cr Denis Chapman said the long-awaited project would fill in the missing link between Urraween Road and Boundary Road with a 1.9km, four lane, dual carriage way road to create a second east-west connection through Hervey Bay.

“This project will give residents and visitors an alternative and improved access to the Hervey Bay city centre, major shopping centres, tourist destinations and the medical precinct,” he said.

“This is a massive road project that will provide a significant boost to the local economy, generating employment for 89 people during its construction.

“With the region’s population forecast to reach 150,000 within 20 years, an improved east-west connection will cater for growth, reduce traffic congestion and take pressure off Boat Harbour Drive, Hervey Bay’s primary east-west link.

“The Boundary Road extension has been planned since the 1980s, with most of the road reserve for the project dedicated in the 1990s, so it’s fantastic it’s now able to go ahead.”

The project includes new traffic lights at the intersections at Grevillea Street and Denmans Camp Road. Concrete shared pathways will be provided on both sides of Boundary Road with on-road cycle lanes also being included.

The project is being funded by the Australian Government ($7.7 million) as part of the Hinkler Regional Deal initiative, the Queensland Government through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme ($3,147,687) and Fraser Coast Regional Council.

Total cost is estimated to be about $26.5 million, which also includes design and project management costs, cultural heritage monitoring, service relocations, landscaping and revegetation.

With the contractor currently going through the procurement stages of their work program, it is anticipated that road construction will start in February 2022 with works likely to be completed in June 2023, weather permitting.

More details about the project, including a flyover animated video, is available at https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/boundary-road-extension-project