Tenders are now open for construction of the $95 million Riverway Drive Stage 2 upgrade project, which will improve road conditions and enhance safety for motorists.

The project will deliver upgrades to 3.1km of Riverway Drive in Townsville and includes widening a 1.6km section between Allambie Lane and Hammond Way to four lanes. This will improve traffic congestion, particularly for motorists entering Riverway Drive from side streets.

Additionally, the 1.5km section of Riverway Drive between Hammond Way and Dunlop Street will benefit from safety upgrades such as new centre median treatments and improvements to right turn lanes at intersections.

New traffic signals will be installed at Rosewood Avenue (incorporating Buunong Avenue), Yut Fay Avenue and Ponti Road intersections. Numerous improvements will also be made to pedestrian and bicycle connectivity along Riverway Drive, increasing protection for vulnerable road users.

Early works by Ergon are underway to upgrade street lighting as well as update and relocate services. These works are scheduled for completion by late next month (weather permitting).

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, with the Australian Government contributing $76 million and the Queensland Government contributing $19 million.

The construction tender is expected to be awarded in July, with construction expected to commence in mid-late 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Quotes attributable to Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper:

“The Upper Ross is one of the fastest growing parts of Townsville so these upgrades are vitally important for the community.

“I’ve advocated for this project since I was elected and fought hard to ensure the Federal Government kept its commitment to fund it, so I’m delighted to see early works have started and tenders are open.

“I will always fight for what the community needs and I know how important stage 2 of Riverway Drive is for this part of Townsville.

“I delivered Riverway Drive stage one for the community and I know how much the stage means to them.

“Infrastructure like this along with the water pipeline between the Ross River Dam and the Douglas Water Treatment Plant are so important to the area and ensure there is top class facilities for the city and its residents.”

Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:

"More than 17,000 Upper Ross motorists will benefit from reduced peak hour congestion and improved travel time reliability each day as a result of this project."

“The Riverway Drive Stage 2 project will improve road conditions, reduce congestion and enhance road safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians."

"This investment is estimated to support an average of 140 direct jobs over the life of the project."

Quotes attributable to the Transport and Main Roads Minister, Bart Mellish:

“Increasing the capacity from two lanes to four lanes along the 1.6km section between Allambie Lane and Hammond Way will significantly ease congestion, increase travel reliability and improve safety.

“This is another example of the Queensland Government keeping Queenslanders safe on our roads.

"These upgrades, which include improved on-road and off-road bicycle facilities and dedicated crossing points for pedestrians, will address the increased demand for a safe and connected active and passenger transport network in the Upper Ross, both now and into the future."

Ends.

Explainer/fast fact and or further information (when required/relevant):

Link to project website page: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/riverway-drive-stage-2-allambie-lane-to-dunlop-street-planning

Tender applications to deliver the construction works are now invited and can be submitted via QTenders.