THE federal government has released project details this morning showing the Mount Lindesay Highway will be upgraded from two to four lanes between Stoney Camp Road and Chambers Flat Road with an extra $7.5 million injected into the project.
The Morrison government said the overall $75 million upgrade would also deliver safety improvements along this section of the Mount Lindesay Highway and construction of a new north-bound bridge over Norris Creek.
This comes after Scenic Rim MP Jon Krause called for the state government to release the 2020-2021 Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program, normally published at the same time as the budget.
A TMR spokesperson told the Beaudesert Times last week that this year's budget would be replaced with a COVID-19 Fiscal and Economic Review to be released next month.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said his department was briefing industry on its project delivery for 2020-21 so businesses have more information on how they can tender for work on government projects.
Mr Krause said the addition of the Mount Lindesay Highway to the national network should allow the state government to expedite works in the coming year and the QTRIP should provide details of TMR works scheduled for 2020-2024.
"Jobs for the future, at Bromelton and across the Scenic Rim, need a better Mount Lindesay," he said.
Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge said the additional funding meant the project would deliver a significant benefit for local motorists.
"This is a targeted infrastructure investment to ease congestion along this critical south-east Queensland arterial," Mr Tudge said.
"At the same time we're injecting much needed funds into the Queensland economy and creating jobs for hard-working Australians."
Assistant Road Safety Minister and Wright MP Scott Buchholz said the Australian government would deliver a more reliable road network for commuters and freight by addressing local bottlenecks.
"Residents in rapidly growing communities such as Jimboomba, Cedar Grove, Beaudesert and down to Rathdowney are connected to Brisbane in the north and the New South Wales border at the southern end, by this important road link," Mr Buchholz said.
"Many important industries operate in our region and it's vital we get drivers home sooner and safer by reducing travel times and improve freight productivity on our roads."
Forde MP Bert van Manen said the Australian government was delivering a more reliable road network for commuters and freight by addressing local bottlenecks.
"Specifically, the upgrades are expected to include increasing the highway to four lanes, as well as safety improvements and construction of a new north-bound bridge over Norris Creek," Mr van Manen said.
"The project will improve safety and deliver shorter and more reliable travel times along this vital commuter and freight corridor."
"The upgrades are critical to supporting growing communities in Logan West."
The $75 million Mount Lindesay Highway: Stoney Camp Road to Chambers Flat Road project is funded on a 50:50 basis with the Queensland Government.
