22 new contracts to deliver Bruce Hwy upgrades released to market
As part of the record $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program (BHTSP), the Australian and Queensland Governments have announced 22 new contracts to deliver a safer and more reliable Bruce Highway.
The contracts up for grabs include five for construction procurement and 17 for design works. The release of these contracts to market will accelerate the delivery of safety works along priority stretches of highway between Gympie and Cairns. It also builds on early progress in the Program, which is jointly funded on an 80:20 basis.
“This latest activity signals significant progress in delivering the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program.
“The Australian Government is proud to be funding 80 per cent of this $9 billion program, because improving safety on the Bruce Highway will help save lives and support the communities and industries that rely on this critical route,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.
“The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering safer roads for Queensland.
“We’re keeping the momentum up with 22 new contracts moving to market to boost safety along the Bruce Highway.
“We told Queenslanders we are committed to fixing the Bruce and works are already making a real difference for motorists, regional communities and freight operators between Gympie and Cairns,” QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said.
The Program is gaining momentum with eight projects already completed, 17 underway, and another 13 construction projects rolling out from early 2026.
Dedicated designer and constructor panels have been established for the BHTSP to streamline procurement, accelerate delivery and ensure value for money – with every dollar of the funding for the Program to be spent on projects along the corridor between Gympie and Cairns.
“The Albanese Government is delivering record investment to build a better Bruce Highway for Queenslanders.
“From here in Burdekin and all the way up to Cairns, we are accelerating the delivery of intersection upgrades, rest area improvements, wide centre line treatments and pavement strengthening.
“These works will make a real difference for drivers, freight operators and regional Queenslanders, and form part of a long-term pipeline of upgrades that will squarely benefit the people who live here,” Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said.
“Regional Queenslanders know just how critical the Bruce Highway is for connecting our communities, supporting our industries and getting people home – these upgrades will help ensure safety.
“The Albanese Labor Government is connecting and protecting the Queenslanders who drive the Bruce every day,” Assistant Minister for Northern Australia and Senator for Queensland Nita Green said.
The 22 new contracts will include:
- More than 100 kilometres of wide centre line treatments
- 50 kilometres of pavement strengthening and new overtaking lanes
- Five narrow bridge upgrades in North Queensland
- Road widening and audio-tactile line marking improvements south of Miriam Vale
- Resurfacing works between Maryborough and Gin Gin
- Upgrades to multiple intersections and rest areas
Additional tenders will be released progressively over the life of the Program. Further details on the tenders available can be found here.
Contracts will be awarded progressively from April 2026, and construction works will follow suit.
“With every dollar in this program invested outside the southeast corner of Queensland, we are building the infrastructure regional Queensland needs to support our growing population.
“We said we would deliver an upgraded Bruce Highway in an 80:20 split with the Commonwealth, and we are getting on with delivering it,” State Member for Burdekin Dale Last said.
“These upgrades represent a major boost for north Queensland.
“Strengthening the Bruce Highway means safer trips for locals and visitors alike, and it’s great to see real investment backing the growth of our region and helping keep people safe,” State Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said.
Below is the list of 22 projects under procurement
| District | Contract Name | Scope | Contract Type |
| Wide Bay Burnett | Bruce Highway (Gin Gin - Benaraby), E Claxton Road and Rickards Road, intersection upgrade | Upgrade intersection | Construction |
| Wide Bay Burnett | Bruce Highway (Gin Gin - Benaraby), Kalpower Road intesection upgrade and heavy vehicle rest area | Upgrade intersection and Heavy Vehicle Rest Area | Construction |
| Wide Bay Burnett | Bruce Highway ( Maryborough - Gin Gin), Howard to Doghole Creek | Pavement strengthening | Construction |
| Fitzroy | Bruce Highway (Gin Gin - Benaraby), House Creek to Miriam Vale | Wide centre line treatment | Construction |
| Fitzroy | Bruce Highway (Rockhampton - St Lawrence), Etna Creek Road to Plentiful Creek Road | Planning and design for wide centre line treatment | Design |
| Mackay Whitsunday | Bruce Highway (Bowen - Ayr), Big Jack Creek to Armstrong Creek, Bruce Highway (Bowen - Ayr), Slater Creek to Wangaratta Creek | Planning and design for wide centre line treatment | Design |
| Mackay Whitsunday | Bruce Highway (Proserpine - Bowen), Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road to Gregory-Cannon Valley Road, Bruce Highway (Proserpine - Bowen), Adelaide Point Road to Don Street | Planning and design for wide centre line treatment | Design |
| Mackay Whitsunday | Bruce Highway (Rockhampton - St Lawrence), Granite Creek to St Lawrence Connection Road | Planning and design for wide centre line treatment | Design |
| Mackay Whitsunday | Bruce Highway (St Lawrence - Mackay), Flaggy Rock Creek to West Hill Creek | Planning and design for wide centre line treatment | Design |
| Mackay Whitsunday | Bruce Highway (Mackay - Proserpine), Mackay Ring Road to Farleigh | Planning and design for wide centre line treatment | Design |
| Far North | Bruce Highway (Ingham - Innisfail), Mourilyan Harbour Road | Upgrade intersection | Construction |
| Far North | Bruce Highway (Innisfail - Cairns), Anderson Road (Aloomba Turn Off) | Upgrade intersection | Design |
| Far North | Bruce Highway (Innisfail - Cairns), Babinda to Deeral | Planning and design for wide centre line treatment and upgrade intersections | Design |
| Far North | Bruce Highway (Innisfail - Cairns), Eubenangee to Josephine Creek | Planning and design for wide centre line treatment and upgrade intersections | Design |
| Far North | Bruce Highway (Innisfail - Cairns), Fishery Falls to Behana Creek | Planning and design for wide centre line treatment and upgrade intersection | Design |
| Far North | Bruce Highway (Innisfail - Cairns), Mill Road and Thomson Road | Upgrade intersections | Design |
| Far North | Bruce Highway (Innisfail - Cairns), Mill Road to Swallow Road | Upgrade intersections | Design |
| Northern | Bruce Highway (Ayr - Townsville), Julago Street to Stuart Rail Overpass | Planning and design for wide centre line treatment and pavement strengthening | Design |
| Northern | Bruce Highway (Ayr - Townsville), Palm Creek to Alligator Creek, various bridge replacements | Planning and design for replacement of five bridges | Design |
| Northern | Bruce Highway (Bowen - Ayr), Wangaratta to Home Hill | Planning and design for wide centre line treatment, pavement strengthening and intersection improvements | Design |
| Northern | Bruce Highway (Townsville - Ingham), Mutarnee to Helens Hill | Planning and design for wide centre line treatment, pavement strengthening, intersection improvements and overtaking lanes | Design |
| Northern | Bruce Highway (Townsville - Ingham), Yabulu to Bluewater | Planning and design for wide centre line treatment and pavement strengthening | Design |
Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Infrastructure Magazine
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