Major Safety Improvements to Parkhurst Industrial Area
Published on 27 November 2023
Construction is underway on Stage One of the Parkhurst Industrial Area Upgrade to improve the safety and productivity for the trucking community within and relying on the region.
The overall project involves upgrading the three intersections of McLaughlin, Wade and Johnson streets, along with improving road width, drainage, street lighting and pavement strength.
The initial stage of the project will deliver various improvements, including minor drainage enhancements, the widening of McLaughlin Street, construction of concrete kerbs and intersection enhancements to facilitate the safe manoeuvring of heavy vehicles through key intersections.
As well as these road improvements, crews will also be installing a new sewer main along McLaughlin Street to meet the expanding needs of the community as part of the Rockhampton Regional Council’s Capital Works program.
Stage One is now underway, with Stage Two and Three to follow in subsequent phases.
This project is jointly funded by $4.9 million under the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP) and the Rockhampton Regional Council contributing $1.2 million.
The Australian Government has committed an ongoing up to $65 million per year through the HVSPP to state, territory and local governments to increase safety outcomes and productivity for heavy vehicle operations, especially in regional areas.
For more information on the HVSPP, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/heavy-vehicle-safety-and-productivity-program.aspx.
Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown:
“This project is another great example of the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring our roads are the safest and most efficient they can be through the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
“By upgrading the Parkhurst Industrial Area, we are not only improving conditions for existing road users, but these incremental improvements are also paving the way for bigger and better access in the future.
“Upgrading these busy intersections will also help keep vulnerable road users and drivers safe.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:
“We recognise the importance of partnering with local councils to deliver local road upgrade programs across Queensland, particularly in regional and rural areas, which is what this critical project is all about.
“These upgrades will deliver a multitude of benefits to the Parkhurst community, including improved safety, particularly for heavy vehicle traffic.
“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring that our rapidly growing state receives the road upgrades it needs to continue to be a great place to live, work and do business.”
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Regional Council Infrastructure Councillor Ellen Smith:
“With phase one commencing this week, this project will deliver a multitude of benefits to the area, particularly for heavy vehicles and oversize loads.
“This project has been designed to prioritise safety, manage high traffic volumes of heavy vehicles mixed with residential traffic, and ready the area that is seeing extremely strong growth
“Crews will be commencing phase one this week along McLaughlin Street from Johnson Street to Bush Crescent, with expected completion of this phase to be in mid-2024, subject to weather conditions.
“These enhancements in the area will also go hand in hand with the works proposed under the Ring Road project, allowing the area to better accommodate future traffic flow.”
“I am really looking forward to seeing these works occur and thank the Australian Government for their $4.9million contribution from their Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.”
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Regional Council Divisional Councillor Donna Kirkland:
“I am excited to see this project rolled out to ensure we are accommodating for the growth of the area.
“With significant growth in the Parkhurst area, these works are not only essential for the industries within Parkhurst, but also the residents of our growing Parkhurst estates.
“While the Alexandra Street, which is a thoroughfare for residents, won’t be upgraded until the third phase, there will still be detours in place around Mclaughlin street as of this week, so we ask motorists to be mindful of these detours, especially where trucks are involved.
“I look forward to the positive transformation these works will bring to the community, and I know this upgrade will go a long way in improving the safety and usability of the area for all.”