More works are set to get underway to improve Queensland’s Bruce Highway as the State Government announced a joint investment amounting to approximately $107 million to fix the highway near Tiaro.
This section of the Bruce Highway has a history of closing down for three days due to flooding, which caused a major disruption to producers as well as truckies and locals.
In addition to improving the road’s flood resilience, this project will also create jobs for the region.
“We’re building the state’s largest ever road infrastructure project: the $12.6 billion Bruce Highway upgrade program.
“Projects like this are getting families, truckies and tourists home sooner and safer,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.
The Tiaro Flood Immunity Upgrade will deliver a new 2-lane section on the Bruce Highway located east of Tiaro to help boost flood immunity, safety and efficiency on this stretch of highway. This project will also future-proof the Bruce Highway in preparation for future growth in traffic volume in the region.
According to Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders, this upgrade is going to be built to withstand a one in 100-year flood.
“Locals overwhelmingly told me they want a bypass to avoid congestion in town and access being cut off when it floods.
“More than 5,800 local businesses pump close to $4 billion into our economy every year, and many rely on the Bruce Highway to get their goods out the door.
“This is about making sure our community and local businesses don’t come to a standstill when severe weather hits,” Mr Saunders said.
Consultation with the local communities will continue following the development of a highway alignment.
The final timeframe for construction will be finalised once detailed design reaches completion. Currently, the Bruce Highway - Tiaro Flood Immunity Upgrade is projected to be completed in 2024, weather permitting.
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Source: Queensland Government; Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads; Infrastructure Magazine