Townsville’s CBD Bus Hub is expected to be completed in mid-May.
The CBD Bus Hub will improve public transport to and from the city, provide better pedestrian access to the city heart and link the new North Queensland Stadium.
More than 200 workers have been inducted on site, with the work being done by local construction firm Mendi Group.
The project received $4 million in funding from the Queensland Government.
Deputy Mayor Les Walker said the CBD Bus Hub was an important project being delivered in partnership between Townsville City Council and the Queensland Government.
“The CBD is undergoing significant positive change and the Bus Hub is adding to the momentum of our city’s revitalisation,” Cr Walker said.
“The project will transform Ogden Street and greatly improve the experience for public transport users in our city.
“The CBD Bus Hub is a crucial piece of infrastructure to improve connectivity in and around our city heart.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the new Townsville Bus Hub will help to drive connectivity in the CBD area and support local economic development.
“The new bus hub complements the Palaszczuk Government’s $840 million in infrastructure for the Townsville region in 2018/19, and will play an important role in connecting locals and visitors with the CBD and soon-to-be-complete North Queensland Stadium,” Mr Bailey said.
Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Mark Molachino said constructions crews were back on site working at full capacity.
“The unprecedented monsoon did delay work for several weeks but the project is back in full swing,” Cr Molachino said.
“The CBD Bus Hub is another example of Council delivering on its promises and creating jobs for locals through major infrastructure projects.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said a new timetable would be introduced connecting 10 routes with the new bus hub.
“The hub will consolidate bus routes through a single location in the CBD, making it easier for locals wanting to connect to another service,” Mr Stewart said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to building on Townsville’s bus network and that’s why we’re proud to have worked with council to help of the new CBD bus hub.”
Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said the project would provide a boost to local businesses once complete.
“I’d like to thank the CBD traders for their patience during the CBD Bus Hub project,” Cr Greaney said.
“When the Bus Hub is complete in about six weeks it will be a key driver of bringing people into the city.
“With the North Queensland Stadium, the Bus Hub and the recent completion of the CBD Utilities Project, it’s an increasingly exciting time for our inner city.”