Just months after the federal and Queensland governments announced they would fund $9 billion to fix and upgrade the Bruce Highway, the first projects under the program are now underway.
The early works package was unveiled in March, with 16 priority projects north of Gympie with the greatest safety risk fast-tracked.
Now, the state government says five priority projects are under construction, with a further two to commence shortly. A further six projects are under procurement, with three more to be procured by mid-2025.
The first projects to get underway include works at Bauple, which was the first area to break ground on creating dedicated left and right-turn lanes as well as road widening at the Stratford Road intersection.
A new dedicated right-turn lane will also be created at the Brooks Road intersection, while pavement widening between Chapmans Road and Stratford Road will also occur.
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Other projects under construction include a new all-vehicle rest area on the eastern side of Curra Interchange and pavement strengthening near Hencamp Creek between Townsville and Ingham.
The early works package is aiming to improve sections of road that have a particularly high safety risk to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes, with key initiatives including wide centre line treatments, pavement strengthening, overtaking lanes, rest areas, improved intersections and widened narrow bridge structures.
Future projects as part of the $9 billion funding will include pavement works at Toomulla Intersection between Townsville and Ingham and installing wide centre line treatments between Bowen and Ayr, which will both begin in coming weeks.
The state government says the Hencamp Creek works are due to complete this month, with other projects expected to finish by mid next year.
“The new safety package will fast-track critical projects along the whole corridor, with the initial focus on priority sections north of Gympie that have been identified by stakeholders due to their higher than average crash rates,” federal transport and infrastructure minister Catherine King says.
“Queenslanders deserve a long-term plan for the state’s deadliest road, and that’s what we’re delivering, with the Australian government’s total investment in fixing the Bruce now over $17 billion.”
Queensland transport and main roads minister Brent Mickelberg says the Bauple improvements form just one part of the major investment.
“This is what delivery looks like. We are getting on with the job of building a safer, stronger Bruce Highway for Queenslanders,” he says.
“These early works are proof that this investment is turning into real results – better roads and jobs in regional areas.
“We’re not just talking about fixing the Bruce – we’re doing it in lock step with the federal government, the Bruce Highway Advisory Council, industry and the community.”
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