Roadworks start rolling on North Shore Boulevard

Date: Thursday, 17th September 2009

The building of a new vital link to the Northern Beaches has moved from the design phase into the earthworks stage, with contractors commencing major construction work.

Seymour Whyte Constructions has begun excavation work for North Shore Boulevard which will act as an alternative link between Mount Low and the Bruce Highway.

Townsville Mayor Cr Les Tyrell said the seven-kilometre two-lane road would open the way for further development in the already popular northern suburbs.

“The population growth in this area has been incredibly strong in a short period of time, with Stockland alone set to build nearly 5000 houses in the area,” Cr Tyrell said.

“By building this road, we’re catering for the many families that we expect will call the Northern Beaches home.

“Our estimates are showing that by 2012, North Shore Boulevard will already be carrying around 8600 vehicles per day at the Mount Low Parkway end and around 14,500 at the Bruce Highway end.

“Without this road, there would be very significant traffic congestion in the near future as Mount Low Parkway reaches its capacity. In other words, building this road is a must.”

Construction crews have focussed their efforts on carrying out excavation work for two intersections near the existing stub of North Shore Boulevard near the Bruce Highway.

Crews have also begun building up and compacting sections of the road foundation, as well as carrying out earthworks in preparation for the construction of a bridge at Saunders Creek.

Local councillor Sue Blom said she was pleased at the progress of the $42 million road project which was scheduled for completion by December 2010.

“Having the heavy machinery working on site means we’ve reached a major milestone on the way to getting the bitumen laid,” Cr Blom said.

“I can see the project team and the crews are working at full steam trying to get as much work done as possible before the wet season.

“We’ve always said that while there are many demands on road funding in Townsville, building this road would be one of council’s priorities. I’m thrilled that residents are now starting to see some tangible results of our decision to fast-track the project.”

North Shore Boulevard will largely be built through undeveloped land.