ETON RANGE REST AREA AND LOOKOUT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Motorists travelling on the Peak Downs Highway can now take in spectacular views across the Pioneer Valley from the new rest area on Eton Range crossing, west of Mackay.

The Australian Government committed $166.17 million to the $189.26 million Eton Range realignment project, improving road safety on the Peak Downs Highway.

This investment has created 295 jobs throughout the construction phase and ties in well with other great surrounding projects.

The Mackay region has a lot to be excited about with the completion of the Peak Downs Highway Safety Works, paired with the recent completion of the jointly funded $497.9 million Mackay Ring Road – Stage 1 project.

Assistant Minister for Northern Australia and Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said about 5,000 vehicles cross the range daily and it is now safer with a reduced gradient and four lanes to allow for more passing opportunities.

“A key benefit of the project was to reduce the current grade to improve safety for heavy vehicles and other measures to help control approach and departure speeds,” Ms Landry said.

“The works now accommodate type 1 road trains to travel through the Eton Range.”

The Eton Range realignment project was a jointly funded project, with the Australian Government committing $166.17 million and the Queensland Government committing the remaining $23.09 million.

For more information on the Eton Range realignment, go to www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/eton-range-realignment-project.