The Government of Queensland in Australia has called for expressions of interest for the construction of Mackay Ring Road in central Queensland, which is the major milestone for a A$565m ($467m) project.

Upon completion, commuters will be able to avoid ten sets of traffic lights on the Bruce Highway, which would improve travel times between Brisbane and Cairns.

Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said: “The record investment in the Bruce Highway is already saving lives and improving travel times.

“The detailed design phase for the project is nearing completion and should be finalised by the end of 2016."

“The Australian and Queensland governments are working together to deliver an A$8.5bn ($6.2bn) package of works on this key national freight route.

“The project is estimated to support an average of 600 jobs, reduce travel times between Brisbane and Cairns, and improve driving conditions for local motorists.

Chester further explained that construction of the Mackay Ring Road is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to fix the Bruce Highway.

Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said: “It is a huge project totalling 11.3km in length. It includes the construction of 13 new bridges including overpasses, dual lane roundabouts at each end, and a new river crossing over the Pioneer River with a 100-year flood immunity.

“The detailed design phase for the project is nearing completion and should be finalised by the end of 2016.”

Bailey further added that the ring road marks the largest project ever undertaken by the Queensland Government in the Mackay / Whitsunday region.

The Australian Government is contributing A$448m ($331m) and the Queensland Government A$117m ($86m) towards the A$565 ($467m) project.