Work has started on a major new east-west road connection through Hervey Bay.

The Australian Government is contributing $7.7 million to the project to connect Urraween and Boundary Roads, as part of the Hinkler Regional Deal. The Queensland Government is also contributing $3.1 million through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme, and Fraser Coast Regional Council is contributing $15.7 million.

Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories the Hon Nola Marino MP said the Hinkler Regional Deal is delivering crucial infrastructure for the region.

“The progress of the Deal demonstrates the value of governments working together,” Ms Marino said.

“This project is being delivered in partnership with Fraser Coast Regional Council who have made a significant contribution to a range of projects through the Hinkler Regional Deal.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the project was a major priority under the Regional Deal.

“This crucial infrastructure project is an investment both in safety and the local economy,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Hinkler Regional Deal is future-proofing the region, for the benefit of residents for generations to come.”

Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said the Queensland Government was committed to ensuring Hervey Bay continued to rebound back stronger after COVID-19 by contributing over $3 million to this road upgrade through the State’s Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.

“This commitment ensures Hervey Bay’s roads keep pace with our city’s growth,” Mr Tantari said.

Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Denis Chapman said the Boundary Road extension would provide alternative and improved access to the Hervey Bay city centre, major shopping centres, tourist destinations and the medical precinct.

“This massive road project – being delivered by local civil construction company SGQ – will provide a significant boost to the local economy, generating employment for 89 people over the next 18 months,” he said.

“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.”

Cr Chapman said the long-awaited project would fill in the missing link between Urraween Road and Boundary Road with a 1.9-kilometre, four-lane dual carriage way.

“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,” he said.

“While a lot of the work will occur on the road reserve, there will be impacts on existing roads at various stages over the next 18 months and I thank everyone in advance for their patience during the construction period.”

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 initial works include the excavation of the drainage area and the removal of vegetation between Grevillea Street and Denmans Camp Road. The work area will be fenced off to prevent pedestrian access through the construction zone, but no road closures are planned during these initial works.

From February 2022, there may be road closures and detours in the Denmans Camp Road section of the project, while Grevillea Street and Richard Charles Drive are likely to be impacted from mid-2022.

The total project cost is estimated to be approximately $26.5 million, which includes construction, design and project management costs, cultural heritage monitoring, service relocations, landscaping and revegetation.

The Boundary Road extension is likely to be completed in mid-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.