The Mackay Ring Road to Bald Hill Road Connection project has now been completed, ensuring that transport infrastructure along the north Queensland coastal region is better integrated and supporting safer road journeys.

This project has delivered a duplicated section of the Bruce Highway between the Mackay Ring Road and Bald Hill Road, improving safety and efficiency for people travelling through Glenella. 

The upgrade provides a consistent journey for drivers by extending the duplication from the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade which was completed in September 2022, through to the Mackay Ring Road roundabout.

Key features of the completed works include two new dual-lane overpass bridges and a new port rail overpass as well as an upgraded intersection at Bald Hill Road.

To minimise disruption to the 12,000 vehicles that use this section of the highway daily, a unique top-down temporary fill method was used during bridge construction which enabled works to continue without the need for road closures on the Bruce Highway.

The three overpass bridges required approximately 620 tonnes of reinforced steel. 

The project is estimated to have supported an average of 534 direct jobs over its duration.

The $87 million Mackay Ring Road to Bald Hill Road project was funded with a $69.6 million commitment from the Australian Government and a $17.4 million commitment from the Queensland Government. 

The project is a continuation of the more than $410 million Mackay Ring Road construction project, which was completed in 2020.

The Australian Government contributed $328.3 million to that project, with the Queensland Government providing over $82 million. 

For more information visit: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/mackay-ring-road 

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King MP: 

“We're investing more than $17 billion on projects along the 1,673km long Bruce Highway.

“While it's tools down on this section of highway, we're getting on with more than 40 other projects to improve the drive on one of Queensland's most important roads.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg MP:

“Now completed, the Mackay Ring Road to Bald Hill Road Connection project will be an integral part of an integrated transport network in the region connecting to major infrastructure such as the Mackay Ring Road, the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade and the Walkerston Bypass.

“We understand the impact this had on local residents and road users and we thank the community for its patience while construction of these important upgrades was completed.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Queensland Nita Green: 

“The Mackay Ring Road to Bald Hill Road Connection project is a significant upgrade for the Bruce Highway, delivering safety and efficiency improvements for this key freight route.

“This project demonstrates our government’s commitment to building infrastructure that supports communities and drives productivity across Queensland and our nation.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton:

“At Bald Hill Road, everything comes together—cars, utes and heavy freight. That’s

exactly where safety matters most.

“By completing this duplication, we’ve reduced sudden merges, improved visibility and

delivered a safer, more predictable trip for every driver through Glenella.”