Australia-based construction company CPB Contractors has secured a contract from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads for completing Stage 1 of the A$497.3m ($393m) Mackay Ring Road project.

The construct-only contract will generate revenue of nearly A$215m ($170m) for CPB Contractors, which is part of the CIMIC Group.

CIMIC Group chief executive officer Adolfo Valderas said: “CIMIC Group and CPB Contractors take a disciplined approach to bidding for and delivering work. Our strategy delivers innovative and cost-effective projects for our clients, strengthens regional economies, and better connects communities.

“Stage 1 of the Mackay Ring Road project is a quality, sustainable infrastructure solution that will enhance travel efficiency and safety for motorists, and serve as a vital upgrade to the national road network.”

The scope of Stage 1 of Mackay Ring Road project includes construction of an 11.3km highway to divert traffic from the Bruce Highway at Stockroute Road (west of Mackay) to the Bald Hill Road intersection (north of Mackay).

"Stage 1 of the Mackay Ring Road project is a quality, sustainable infrastructure solution that will enhance travel efficiency and safety for motorists, and serve as a vital upgrade to the national road network."

The project will also see the construction of 13 bridge structures, two underpasses for local traffic, and two dual-lane roundabouts.

Stage 1 construction is expected to begin later this year and will be completed by late 2019.

The project is expected to reduce the frequency of heavy freight vehicles and hazardous loads travelling through the city centre, and will significantly improve the operation of local, regional and national road networks.

CPB Contractors managing director Román Garrido said: “Delivering new and upgraded transport infrastructure is a core capability for CPB Contractors, and we are committed to ensuring our construction methods achieve all project objectives.

“We are focused on maximising opportunities for local employment and delivering a socially-inclusive procurement strategy to broaden the community benefits of this significant roads initiative."