Cunningham Highway

Australia’s Queensland Government is set to receive a A$61.6m boost to upgrade its New England, Flinders, Landsborough and Cunningham highways.

The latest upgrade is part of the Australian Government’s A$229m National Highway Upgrade Programme.

Deputy prime minister and minister for infrastructure and regional development Warren Truss said the funding is aimed at improving key arteries on the national highway network in Queensland.

Truss said: "This programme will fund much-needed upgrading works around Australia such as additional overtaking lanes, road widening, intersection upgrades and pavement reconstruction."

Works to be delivered on the New England Highway include the provision of a further overtaking lane, pavement widening works and intersection upgrades."

In order to improve infrastructure for freight vehicles operating in the state’s major resource and agricultural regions, the Australian Government is allocating A$49.3m through its National Highway Upgrade programme.

Queensland minister for main roads, road safety and ports Mark Bailey said the A$12.3m funding from the state would assist in boosting safety while improving the quality of major roads for all motorists.

Bailey said: "Works to be delivered on the New England Highway include the provision of a further overtaking lane, pavement widening works and intersection upgrades."

As part of the project, the Flinders Highway between Hughenden and Cloncurry will see the widening of pavement.

Also, the Landsborough Highway will be upgraded between Morven and Kynuna. On the Cunningham Highway between Mutdapilly and Warrill View, the pavement would be rehabilitated.

Construction on projects that are funded under the National Highway Upgrade Programme is expected to begin between 2015 and 2016.

Image: Part of Cunningham Highway in Queensland, Australia. Photo: courtesy of Joninbrisbane via Wikipedia.