Construction is underway on all four Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) sealing projects for this year, with earthmoving works started on the Little Laura to Fairview stretch.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the project to seal 4.6 kilometres of the PDR between Little Laura and Fairview was the latest project in a substantial package of works undertaken since 2014 to improve access for locals, freight transport operators and tourists to Cape York.
“The sealing works, which are part of the $260.5 million Cape York Region Package, are already benefiting the community,” Mr Chester said.
“These works are connecting remote Cape York communities to greater economic and training opportunities and are providing employment opportunities for local workers, businesses, suppliers and training providers.
“By the end of 2016, the Cape York Region Package will have sealed over 274 kilometres of road, which equates to over 50 per cent of the PDR.”
Weipa-based NQ Civil Engineering Contracting Pty Ltd was awarded the Little Laura to Fairview project.
Preliminary works on the 12km Musgrave project began in August, with RoadTek awarded the contract on a sole invitee basis.
Construction of the 22km Coen South and 13 km Archer to Wolverton projects will start this month.
Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said preliminary works on the Musgrave project have begun, with subcontracted Indigenous businesses providing equipment hire, as well as crushing and screening operations.
“I had the opportunity to visit some of the PDR works during a visit to the Cape last month and all four projects are progressing well with the Coen South and Archer to Wolverton upgrades due to connect soon to the existing bitumen seal,” Mr Bailey said.
“Road users in the Coen area will enjoy 53.5km of uninterrupted bitumen seal once the project is complete and road users accessing the Archer River area will be able to drive for 52.3km before returning to unsealed conditions.”
The $260.5 million Cape York Region Package is jointly funded, with the Australian Government providing $208.4 million and the Queensland Government providing $52.1 million.