Spanning more than 61 metres and using locally manufactured concrete decks, the Rockhampton Ring Road project’s new Lion Creek Bridge is complete and ready to use.

It is the first of 18 bridges on the project to be completed and replaces the old timber bridge with a much more flood resilient structure, improving accessibility for the Pink Lily and Ridgelands communities during wet weather events.

The original crossing of Lion Creek was built in the late 1800s.

The completion of the new bridge coincides with the re-opening of Canoona Road, as work on the West Rockhampton local road connections to the Ring Road are finalised.

This improved access to Rockhampton will provide better connectivity to key destinations south of the Fitzroy River, including to the airport and hospital, as well as defence, education, and leisure precincts in the city and Wandal.

A 204 metre long bridge over Limestone Creek in Parkhurst will also shortly be completed as part of the early works program.

With the early works program set for completion by the middle of this year, the Rockhampton Ring Road will transition to the main works program, which will include:

• 17.4 kilometres of new roadway including approximately 14.7 kilometres of Ring Road alignment starting from a new southern roundabout on the Capricorn Highway.
• A new 435-metre long third bridge over the Fitzroy River between Pink Lily and Kawana, including shared active transport facilities. 
• Another 15 (for a total of 18) bridges along the main ring road alignment, including eight road overpasses and seven water crossings.
• Improved connectivity to key precincts including West Rockhampton, North Rockhampton, and the Capricorn Coast.  

The $1.98 billion Rockhampton Ring Road project is funded by both governments, with the Australian Government providing $1.4 billion and the Queensland Government providing $580 million.

The project will transform the way commuters, freight and travellers access Rockhampton, with improved flood resilience, travel times and road safety enhancing visitors’ experience of the region.

For more information on the project or to register for updates please visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/Rockhampton-Ring-Road.

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

"The $1.98 billion Rockhampton Ring Road is one of Queensland’s most significant infrastructure projects.

"It will boost central Queensland’s economy and deliver safer, more efficient transport routes.

“This project demonstrates our government’s commitment to building infrastructure that supports communities and drives growth.

“It reflects our vision for a stronger, more connected Queensland, where regional communities thrive.”

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

“Central Queenslanders are too often at the mercy of natural disasters and significant weather events, and the opening Lion’s Creek Bridge is a major step forward in providing the region with the flood resilience it needs to stay connected to the rest of the state.

"The Crisafulli LNP Government is working to get the project back on track with the remaining scope of the ring road construction to start in July 2025.

“With traffic on the Bruce Highway in central Queensland reaching up to 36,200 vehicles per day in urban centres – it’s vital we deliver a safer and more reliable highway connection for motorists.

“That’s why the Crisafulli LNP Government worked to secure an 80:20 funding split with the Albanese Labor Government, and a $9 billion joint safety package, to fix the Bruce.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:

"This project is about more than just roads and bridges – it’s about creating a resilient transport network that better connects central Queensland to the rest of the state.

“Our additional investment into the region through the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Package will ensure improved road user experience and road safety for visitors to the region.

“The $1.98 billion joint investment ensures that the full project scope of the Rockhampton Ring Road project can be delivered.”

Quotes attributable to the State Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland:

"The Rockhampton Ring Road is a once-in-a-generation project that will benefit our community in countless ways, including supporting emergency services to access the Bruce and Capricorn Highways.

“Our hardworking emergency service personnel will now travel through two sets of traffic lights with easy off-ramp access to the Rockhampton Base Hospital, no longer having to contend with 19 sets of traffic lights previously.”

Quotes attributable to the State Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton:

"The Rockhampton Ring Road will improve safety and help reduce travel times for commuters, freight operators and tourists travelling on the Bruce Highway.

“With better road access and better efficiency from the road network, the Rockhampton Ring Road will leave a positive legacy to the economic growth of the Capricorn Coast.”

Quotes attributable to the State Member for Mirani Glen Kelly:

“This is a win for our region.

"The pipeline of construction in central Queensland is contributing to local economic growth and further cementing our region’s future by building local business capability.”