Work begins next week on the $885k Emerald Airport Intersection upgrade, but it will not disrupt operations or traffic at the airport.
The upgrade has been funded by Central Highlands Regional Council and will be carried out by Emerald-based company Activ Civil.
Council’s General Manager of Commercial Services, Michelle Webster says she’s looking forward to the completion of the project and the benefits it will bring for patrons of the airport.
‘Safety and access at the intersection will be greatly improved by widening the Gregory Highway as well as the addition of a new north-bound turning lane and extension of the south-bound turning lane. Fresh line marking, signs and landscaping will complete the makeover.
‘The project will take approximately three months to complete, and we’re asking for a bit of patience from the community.
‘Traffic controllers will be on site for the majority of the project and only minimal delays are expected for motorists. That being said, we are encouraging travellers to allow for extra time to their journey, particularly those booked on departing flights.
‘We will give advanced notice on council’s website and Facebook page of any longer delays or anything out of the ordinary that may occur.’
‘The Emerald Airport is the first impression that a lot of visitors have or our town and we’re going to make it as welcoming as possible,’ Mrs Webster said.
Click on this design sketch to see the intersection layout after the works take place.