Significant upgrades to the Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway will soon get underway following the award of a Design and Construct contract to the Gateway Connect Joint Venture.
The joint venture is a partnership between CPB Contractors, BMD Constructions and Georgiou Group as well as designers GHD and BG&E.
The Gateway to Bruce Upgrade (G2BU) combines the $1 billion Gateway Motorway – Bracken Ridge to Pine River Upgrade and the $948 million Bruce Highway (Brisbane – Gympie) Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road Upgrade Stage 1.
The projects are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, each contributing $1.5 billion and $389.6 million respectively.
“This is a big investment in easing congestion in our communities and growing the Queensland economy.
“It will better connect the Bruce Highway and the Gateway Motorway and that will deliver big benefits for Brisbane.
“As a Queenslander I know how important the Bruce is to our state.
“The Bruce transports people, goods and opportunities and links local communities and economies right around regional Queensland.
“As Treasurer and as a Queenslander I’m especially proud of the billions we’ve found to back the Bruce,” Treasurer Jim Chalmers said.
Together, these projects will tackle long-standing congestion and safety issues on one of North Brisbane’s busiest transport corridors.
Traffic volumes in this corridor are expected to increase by about 50 per cent by 2041 as the population in this region continues to grow. Currently, around 160,000 vehicles travel between Moreton Bay Region and north Brisbane via the Gateway Motorway, Bruce Highway and Gympie Arterial Road each day.
“We are committed to bolstering the economy in Queensland through strategic infrastructure investment.
“This commitment by the Australian Government will greatly benefit freight movement, local and regional commuters, and holiday makers.
“Without additional capacity, this vital section of the national highway will face longer periods of heavy congestion,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.
“This investment is critical for our growing region, and the Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway are two of the busiest roads in South East Queensland, and they are only going to get busier. I’m proud of the investment by the Federal Government, delivering in partnership with the Queensland Government.
“This investment in our critical road infrastructure will play a massive role in increasing safety and reducing travel times, something I know local residents have been asking for,” Federal Member for Petrie Emma Comer said.
The Gateway Motorway, Bracken Ridge to Pine River upgrade will include:
Meanwhile, key features of the Bruce Highway, Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road Stage 1 upgrade will include:
Subject to environmental approvals, construction is anticipated to commence in the second half of next year.
“The upgrades will deliver real benefits for communities across Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast.
“Traffic comes to standstill on this section every morning and afternoon.
“We’re taking action – this is a real plan backed by real investment – to tackle congestion on this notorious stretch of road.
“The upgrade is about reducing travel times for motorists travelling between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast and helping those heading to the airport or back home to Moreton Bay.
“The Gateway to Bruce Upgrade is a prime example of how we’re investing to deliver for Queenslanders and making a real difference in their lives,” QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said.
Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads (1, 2, 3); Infrastructure Magazine