Another section of Queensland’s Bruce Highway is set to be upgraded soon as the construction contract for the $163.3 million Deception Bay Road Interchange project is awarded to BMD Constructions Pty Ltd.
This multi-million-dollar project is part of the $12.6 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program as well as the Australian Government’s $100 billion 10-year infrastructure pipeline that will create jobs and support the economy.
“The Australian Government has invested significantly in the projects on the southern end of the Bruce Highway and once open to traffic, these upgrades will continue to support growth in the region.
“We are investing in our future beyond COVID-19 by delivering lasting infrastructure which will kick-start our economic recovery and benefit Australians for years to come and this project is a perfect example of that,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.
This Bruce Highway upgrade will also form part of the State Government’s $3.13 billion investment on roads and transport projects in fast-growing areas – such as the $662 million Bruce Highway upgrade from Caboolture to Steve Irwin Way.
“Because Queenslanders have stepped up to the plate and continue to manage the health impacts of the global pandemic, we’ve been able to get on with this project as well as a $23 billion pipeline of transport and road upgrades for Queensland that’ll mean 21,500 jobs.
“The interchange upgrade will support 270 direct jobs throughout its life – from design through to delivery – and once complete, will tackle congestion and safety for the thousands of small businesses and families who use the interchange every day,” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said.
The Deception Bay Road Interchange upgrade will feature:
“The new overpass is welcomed by Deception Bay residents as it will reduce travel time for small and family businesses and help people crossing the highway from Narangba, Burpengary East and Deception Bay,” Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said.
“Motorists who travel along this stretch of the Bruce Highway know just how heavy traffic can be during rush hour. Right now, drivers are getting stuck during those peak hours along the two-lane bridge,” State Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting said.
Early works to prepare for major construction has already been completed, with works including relocation of water, power and communications infrastructure.
“What we’ve also seen at this interchange is vehicles queuing on exit and entry ramps. That presents a safety issue, contributing to high crash rates on the highway and surrounding road network.
“For our cyclists, pedestrians and truck drivers there will also be benefits for them with new pathways and an increased height for the new bridges so tall trucks and vehicles don’t need to detour,” State Member for Kurwongbah Shane King said.
The Deception Bay Road Interchange project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on an 80:20 basis.
Major construction on the project is anticipated to commence in October of this year and due to be completed in early 2023, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Trailer Magazine