A major series of road upgrade works is being planned for Australia. The plans are being drawn up by the Australian Federal Government, along with a substantial budget. Around US$36.3 billion (A$49 billion) is being budgeted for improving key freight routes across Australia over the coming 12 years.
The programme will see 30 important freight routes benefiting from major upgrade works. One of the priorities will be to address previous flood damage and ensure the routes are less vulnerable to heavy rains. The programme is named the Roads of Strategic Performance (ROSI) Initiative. Stretches of the Toowoomba Bypass, Bruce Highway and Capricorn Highway will be amongst the important routes to benefit from the improvement works.
Meanwhile, in Western Australia(WA) work is now being carried out for the Albany Ring Road Project. Construction has commenced on a 6km section that links the South Coast Highway and Princess Royal Drive. Preparatory work is being carried out for the new bridges along the route while some of the earthmoving is also now underway. When complete, the 11km road will provide an improved connection between Albany Highway and Princes Royal Drive.
The project is costing $129.5 million (A$175 million) with the Australian Federal Government providing $103.6 million (A$140 million) and the WA State Government providing $25.9 million (A$35 million).
