The $8.3 million Barkly Highway upgrade in Mount Isa is complete, four months ahead of schedule.
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Practical works on nine jointly-funded intersection upgrades were finished just in time for the Mount Isa Rodeo held over the weekend.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, who visited the region in June and inspected progress, said the project supported 25 jobs during construction and would now improve safety through the city centre.
The Barkly Highway upgrade involved reconfiguring traffic lights, nine new turning lanes and installing bike lanes at the East Street, Simpson Street and Camooweal Street intersections.
"As a hub of industry and tourism, this was about making sure that everyone from locals and trucks to tourists and bike riders could safely navigate through the city," Mr Bailey said.
"When I had the opportunity recently to catch up with locals, they told me this part of Barkly was home to plenty of close calls and unfortunately a number of crashes too.
"I'm glad that not only have we been able to deliver the upgrade, but that crews were able to complete the major works before the rodeo, which by all accounts was a huge success.
"This project is part of the Palaszczuk Government's $14.5 billion regional Queensland roads and transport package, and our plan to upgrade 20 Mount Isa intersections by 2020."
The $8.3 million Mount Isa intersection upgrades were jointly-funded the Palaszczuk Government and Australian Government through the Northern Australia Roads Program.
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