The expenses for the Mount Lindesay Highway upgrades in Jimboomba have surged for the second time to $95 million.
The project was first announced almost four years ago with an estimated $57.4 million price tag.
Late last year the state government announced the cost had jumped to $75 million.
“On 22 December last year, and in the promised spirit of transparency, I announced that this project had increased in cost to $75 million,” transport minister Bart Mellish said last week.
“I have subsequently been advised the latest estimate has increased to $95 million.
“Today we can assure the public that the state sees this upgrade to our national freight route as a priority and this tender for delivery has now been released to the market.”
The project will see the section of highway between Johanna Street and South Street widened from two lanes to four and the construction of a south-bound bridge over the old rail corridor.
The tender process is expected to take until August, with construction set to start in late 2024 and finish 18 months later.
Tenders were first put to market at the beginning of 2023 but were withdrawn during the federal government’s infrastructure audit.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads said the upgrades would improve safety, ease congestion, and reduce travel times.
“This upgrade will not only support population growth in the area but provide freight vehicles with a more reliable journey on this very important B double route,” Mr Mellish said.
“The works will include optimisation of the parking at the Jimboomba State School, including the drop off and pick area on the western service road (Brisbane Street).
“It’s great to see the 10-year forward plan continue to progress into delivery across stages. This is a great win for Jimboomba.”
Construction will keep the current on-street parking arrangements and extend the left turn lane at Tamborine Street to improve southbound highway access.
The northbound left-turn access at the South Street intersection from the Mount Lindesay Highway will be removed, but the existing left-turn access to Jimboomba town centre (near Cerina Circuit) will remain.
Shared bicycle and pedestrian paths will also be installed.
Logan MP Linus Power said the railway tunnel would also provide safer options for pedestrians.
“Jimboomba locals will have a smoother safe run through Jimboomba and be able to use both lanes to get through the lights,” he said.
“Working with locals, I’ll continue to fight for more funding to continue improving the Mt Lindesay Highway.”
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