Tenders have closed for construction of a $2.4 million roundabout at the intersection of Hughes and Watsons Roads at Bargara.
Bundaberg Regional Council's planning and development portfolio spokesman Cr Ross Sommerfeld said the contract for the roundabout was expected to be awarded in coming weeks.
“The work, which represents Stage 3 of the Hughes Road extension, will be done in tandem with the construction of a new access road and additional parking at the Bargara Cultural and Community Centre,” Cr Sommerfeld said.
“The construction of the access road and 20 additional parks has been estimated at $325,000.
“The roundabout is essential infrastructure that will enable seamless traffic flows once Hughes Road is fully developed.
“Agencies such as Telstra and Ergon are currently relocating assets, with Council also involved with the provision of water infrastructure in the construction area.
“Road closures and detours will be in place to facilitate the roundabout construction.
“Work is expected to commence in early April and be completed in June, weather permitting.”
The Bargara Administration Building access on Hughes Road will be closed from the middle of March after Council's new shopfront in Bargara is opened.
Representative for Division 5, Cr Greg Barnes, said he was delighted with the progress being made.
Cr Barnes said completion of the roundabout will provide a far more direct route for coastal communities between Elliott Heads and Bargara.
“Not only will it benefit local residents, it will also create a catalyst for sustainable development along the coastal strip,” he said.
“This particular stage has been of major interest to the local community and it's great to see us achieve another milestone on the overall north-south distributor project.”
Funding for the work has been made available through government programs including Roads to Recovery and TIDS.
