OCTOBER 16, 2015: Work is progressing rapidly on major upgrades to the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Shakespeare Street and the Showgrounds in Mackay, and it's great to see this continued investment in local roads.This is a key intersection in the city, and the Bruce Highway link to the north and south.An upgraded intersection will improve safety and reduce congestion.This project will deliver an extra southbound lane on the highway from the Showgrounds intersection, two new left turn lanes, pavement replacement, improved line markings and traffic signals, a designated cycling lane and improved amenities.A shared three-metre off-road pedestrian and cycle path will also be provided on the Showgrounds side of the Bruce Highway from Shakespeare Street through to the Milton/Gordon Street intersection.New cyclist/pedestrian crossing facilities have also been included to provide safer crossing opportunities across the Bruce Highway.Along with the rest of the community, I’m really looking forward to the completion of this project early next year.Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the $13.8 million project is being fully funded by the Australian Government through the Bruce Highway – Black Spots Programme.“These works will improve safety and reduce congestion at these key intersections and create a more streamlined road network through the centre of Mackay,” Mr Truss said.“With traffic volume expected to grow in coming years, Mackay’s city centre would have struggled to cope without these upgrades, impacting on productivity in the region, including for freight operators.“The Australian Government is committed to delivering productivity improvements, economic growth, and improved road safety, and these upgrades form part of that commitment.”The Shakespeare Street and Showgrounds intersection upgrade is fully funded by the Australian Government through the $241.8 million Bruce Highway – Black Spots programme.