New route at Cloncurry connects two regional Queensland highways.
The trucking industry can now begin using the $13 million heavy vehicle bypass in the northern Queensland region of Cloncurry.
The route, which opened today, connects the Flinders and Barkly highways and involved the construction of 4.6km of new road and intersections.
Cloncurry Shire Council says it estimates the bypass will handle 120,000 road train movements each year.
It says the road is capable of supporting all heavy vehicle movements from the south, west and northern parts of Cloncurry.
The Federal Government says the bypass will improve productivity and road safety.
“Cloncurry is in the heart of the north west Queensland mineral province, producing 80 per cent of Queensland’s mineral wealth, and this bypass will provide a vital freight link between northern Australia and the east coast and beyond,” federal infrastructure minister Warren Truss says.
The Queensland Government, which contributed $4.8 million to the project, says roads are the lifeblood for many rural and remote parts of Queensland, especially in the north west.
“This bypass will make a real difference for drivers of heavy vehicles, as well as residents and visitors to the region,” Queensland roads minister Mark Bailey says.
Former federal infrastructure and transport minister Anthony Albanese announced work on the project back in 2012, adding that the bypass would cater for large mining trucks and road trains.