Upgrade south of Townsville will duplicate 7km of highway from two lanes to four lanes
October 29, 2013
Works on a major upgrade to the Bruce Highway to increase the route’s capacity in north Queensland have started.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Warren Truss announced the official start of construction on the $137.5 million Vantassel Street to Cluden duplication project south of Townsville.
The upgrade will duplicate 7km of highway from two lanes to four lanes, with major works to be carried out on the intersections at Hunter Street, Abbott Street, Lakeside Drive and Stuart Drive.
Federal MP for Dawson George Christensen says a four lane overpass of the rail line at Cluden will be built to separate traffic from the existing open level crossing to improve safety on the highway.
“The project will also construct two new bridges over Stuart Creek, as well as new drainage structures under other sections to improve flood immunity and reduce the number of highway closures because of flooding,” he says.
All works are due to be completed by mid-2015.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson says a 60km/h speed restriction will be in place between Vantassel Street and Stuart Drive during the upgrade.
