An RTA spokesperson said once traffic has been moved to the 2.2km section of the carriageway, the existing section of highway will be reconstructed to form the southbound carriageway.

“This is the last of three traffic changes that will have motorists travelling on new concrete pavement over the full length of the project.”

Motorists will now travel along a new section of the northbound carriageway which starts south of Jack’s Creek and finishes north of Grey Gum Gully.

It involves construction of seven new twin bridges and rest areas on the northbound carriageway at Nerong waterholes and the southbound carriageway at Browns Flat.

Environmental assessments have been carried out along the way with eight fauna crossings and about nine kilometers of fauna exclusion fencing included in the proposal,” said the spokesperson. Other features of the project include a truck stopping area with emergency telephones and emergency turning points, bus bays and turn around areas on major side roads, provision for cyclists, drainage crossings, fauna underpasses and crossings at Nerong Road, Waterholes Gap and Burdekin’s Gap.

“With motorists travelling on the new section of pavement over the full length of the project, driving conditions will be greatly improved.

“Residents are reminded that the project is still a construction site and motorists are asked to observe all project signage and any traffic control directions,” the spokesperson said.