Construction of a heavy vehicle bypass at Biloela will commence this year.

The $2.97 million project will see heavy vehicles travel down Shepherdson Rd, east of Biloela, onto Jambin-Dakenba Rd and then onto Quarrie Rd and the Dawson Highway, avoiding Biloela’s CBD and school districts.

The project will be funded by $2.1 million from the Federal Government’s Roads of Strategic Importance fund with the remainder funded by Banana Shire Council.

Banana Shire Mayor Nev Ferrier said the bypass had been a priority for some time and the project would support council’s workers and the shire’s contractors.

“Council is proud to be working with the Australian Government to make it a reality for our community,” Cr Ferrier said.

Flynn MP Ken O’Dowd said roads were the primary connection between renowned local producers and their customers and the bypass would become a safe and accessible diversion option for heavy vehicles.

Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said starting the roadworks would reduce heavy vehicle traffic through Biloela, easing congestion and improving safety.

“This critical project will upgrade the proposed bypass route to deliver a safe and accessible diversion away from the town centre for heavy vehicles, bolstering local freight connectivity and efficiency while reducing travel times and improving safety for all road users around Biloela,” he said.