The Government of Queensland in Australia has initiated the tender process to build Strathpine Road Diverging Diamond Interchange in Brisbane.

The A$30m ($20.81m) project, expected to create around 65 jobs, will be jointly funded by the state and federal governments.

Initial works are scheduled to begin this year while major construction will commence in early 2021. Once complete, the interchange will help in reducing congestion and improving safety in the region.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said: “This is a critical piece of infrastructure for Brisbane and suburbs further north that will give communities, as well as businesses, an economic boost for years to come.

“It’s one congestion-busting upgrade among many as part of our infrastructure investments across Queensland, which are creating jobs and critical economic support as we come out of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Aspley state member Bart Mellish said: “This interchange upgrade will mean traffic relief for the 20,000 people who use this road daily.

“Our community is fast-becoming a major hub for families, businesses and essential services, and it’s vital we get on with the job of delivering jobs and the transport infrastructure we need.”

Notably, Queensland has A$23bn ($15.95bn) worth of road and transport projects in the pipeline.

Last month, upgrade works worth A$481m ($331.07m) commenced on a section of the Bruce Highway. The project will support 466 jobs and will increase the capacity of a two-lane road between Edmonton and Gordonvale.