Tenders called to build new major Hervey Bay road link

Tenders are now being sought to build a major new east-west arterial road in Hervey Bay.

Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Denis Chapman said the Urraween to Boundary Road extension would improve accessibility into the Hervey Bay city centre from outlying suburbs.

“This project will complete the missing link between Boundary Road and Kawungan Way, reducing traffic congestion and meeting the needs of the region’s growing population,” he said.

“The 1.9 km four-lane Boundary Road extension will create a second east-west thoroughfare through Hervey Bay, removing traffic from Boat Harbour Drive and providing better access to major shopping centres, tourist destinations, and the health and medical precinct.

“It will include new traffic lights, shared pathways, on-road and off-road cycle facilities, lighting, landscaping and drainage works, with construction expected to start in late 2021 and be completed in 2023.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt welcomed this important milestone in a long-awaited project.

“Extending Urraween Road through to Boundary Road will improve connectively throughout Hervey Bay which is experiencing massive growth at the moment,” Mr Pitt said.

“The $7.7 million commitment under the Hinkler Regional Deal from the Federal Government for this extension follows the previous investment of $2.28 million towards the significant upgrade of Urraween Road, which was completed in 2018.

“This upgrade will make our local roads safer for not only residents, but also for tourists who visit our fantastic region.”

Cr Chapman said the Urraween to Boundary Road Extension was a critical part of the Hinkler Regional Deal between Council and the Australian Government, while the Queensland Government was also supporting the project through its Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.

“This connection has been planned since the 1980s with the majority of the road reserve dedicated to this east-west link in the 1990s so it’s fantastic to see it going ahead now,” he said.

The project is being funded with support from the Australian Government ($7.7 million as part of the Hinkler Regional Deal and Building Our Futures program) and the Queensland Government ($3,147,687) with the remainder to be paid by the Fraser Coast Regional Council.

With the detailed design phase now complete, exact costs will be determined once the tender is awarded. Tenders are open now through QTenders and close on Thursday 1 July 2021.

A local supplier/contractor and local content benefit weighting of 20 per cent has been adopted as part of the tender assessment for this project.

More details about the project, including a flyover animated video, is available at https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/boundary-road-extension-project