Winton-Richmond Road sealing progressing

Funded jointly by the federal government, putting in $10.4m and the Queensland government contributing $2.6m, the money will seal 8.4 kilometres and widen 11.2 kilometres of the 145-kilometre long transport corridor in the north west.

The work is part of a $415m federal-state stimulus package announced in June, to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades in Queensland.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the route was a crucial transport link for freight, tourism and agriculture in the region.

"By investing in these upgrades the road will become more reliable in all kinds of weather, making local communities safer and surrounding industries more productive," he said.

"The works will also provide targeted stimulus for local workforces and that's exactly why we are continuing to sign off on projects like this across the state and the country.

Maranoa MP David Littleproud said the road was prone to closures after rain.

"Currently, about half the road is gravel, which presents unique challenges to safe driving," he said.

"The risk is even higher during weather events and is a problem for regional communities and industries.

"By continuing to invest in this vital road, we are supporting northern Queensland communities by improving the reliability, productivity and resilience of our supply chains and strengthening links to important markets."

Part of the Beef Roads Program, an earlier $4.7m jointly funded bitumen project took place from November 2018 to June 2019.

Following that in May this year the state government expended $1.78m on four kilometre pave and seal program on the road 117km north of Winton, completed in July.

Works on this latest project are expected to start in late October, described as avoiding the wet season, with completion expected in March 2022.