Bruce Hwy intersections upgrade at Rockhampton to support local jobs

Five key intersections in the Rockhampton CBD – along the Bruce Highway between George and Bolsover streets – are set to be upgraded as part of a $37.61 million safety works package. 

The intersections that will receive a major overhaul include: 

• George Street, Albert Street and the Bruce Highway 
• Alma Street and the Bruce Highway 
• Bolsover Street and the Bruce Highway 
• Alma Street and North Street 
• Denison Street and the Bruce Highway 

Detailed design for these intersection upgrades is now underway. Weather permitting, major construction works are due to commence in mid-2023 and completed by mid-2024. 

Under the Bruce Highway Safety Package, the Australian Government has already invested approximately $808.39 million to deliver a safer and more efficient north-south corridor for Queenslanders. 

“Our investment is aimed at relieving pressure on the local urban network and increasing connectivity, accessibility, safety and efficiency. 

“This project is another example of Michelle Landry’s determination to delivery for the people of this region, to make sure the infrastructure they need and deserve is funded and delivered,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said. 

Scope of works for the intersection upgrades include building additional traffic lanes, extending turn lanes as well as upgrading traffic signals to eliminate the risk of rear end collisions from queueing. 

Other works will include upgrading pedestrian and cycling facilities to improve the area’s connectivity with existing active transport infrastructures across Rockhampton. 

“The Bruce Highway is Queensland’s busiest highway and is the backbone of both regional communities and industry. 

“The upgrade builds on work already underway in the region, as part of the Queensland Government’s record $17.8 billion regional road and transport budget over the next four years. 

“This includes the upcoming Rockhampton Ring Road – the biggest infrastructure project to be delivered in Central Queensland. 

“We’re backing the regions, creating jobs and delivering for locals like never before,” Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

According to Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, the Australian Government is continuing its commitment to deliver the $10 billion investment for a safer, smoother and more reliable Bruce Highway. 

“This will benefit the entire Rockhampton region first and foremost, as part of our commitment to get all Queenslanders, from Brisbane to Cairns, home sooner and safer on this key north-south route. 

“I look forward to seeing these benefits realised by the Rockhampton community and all road users,” Ms Landry said. 

The key intersection upgrades in Rockhampton are welcome news for both local drivers and businesses in the region. 

This project will build on the recently finished Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade that supported 255 local jobs and delivered safer access to and from the northern suburbs. 

“The massive projects we’re delivering in Central Queensland are providing the community with better roads, better transport and a significant boost to the local economy. 

“And now, with the intersection upgrades in the pipeline, we’ll continue to bring jobs to the region and deliver even safer roads for locals,” State Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said. 

The Australian Government has contributed $30.09 million towards the upgrades – provided under the $1.01 billion Bruce Highway Safety Package – while the Queensland Government has invested $7.52 million. 

Contribution from the Australian Government forms part of a $31 billion transport infrastructure investment in Queensland since 2013 that helps connect communities and improve safety while, at the same time, create jobs and support economic growth. 

“The best way the Queensland Government can deliver these major infrastructure projects is through collaborating with industry and proactively highlighting opportunities for local businesses to participate. 

“We’re using local contractors and local suppliers, all working together to get the jobs done,” State Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Australian Government – Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications