Construction commences on priority Bruce Highway safety projects

Major construction is now underway on the first projects under the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, a joint Australian and Queensland Government commitment. 

This follows the beginning of an early works package that was announced earlier this year, which fast-tracked 16 priority projects north of Gympie with the greatest safety risk. 

“The new safety package will fast-track critical projects along the whole corridor, with the initial focus on priority sections north of Gympie that have been identified by stakeholders due to their higher than average crash rates. 

“Queenslanders deserve a long-term plan for the state’s deadliest road, and that’s what we’re delivering, with the Australian Government’s total investment in fixing the Bruce now over $17 billion,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Five priority projects are now under construction and two more will commence shortly. Meanwhile, six projects are already under procurement with three more to begin the procurement process by mid-2025. 

The first to break ground was the works at Bauple, which include: 

• Dedicated left and right-turn lanes as well as road widening at the Stratford Road intersection 

• A new dedicated right-turn lane at the Brooks Road intersection 

• Pavement widening between Chapmans Road and Stratford Road 

Other projects also under construction include: 

• A new all-vehicle rest area on the eastern side of Curra Interchange 

• Pavement strengthening near Hencamp Creek between Townsville and Ingham 

“This is what delivery looks like. We are getting on with the job of building a safer, stronger Bruce Highway for Queenslanders. These early works are proof that this investment is turning into real results – better roads and jobs in regional areas. 

“We’re not just talking about fixing the Bruce – we’re doing it in lock step with the Federal Government, the Bruce Highway Advisory Council, industry and the community,” QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said. 

Source: Australian Government

The early works package – which is the first tranche of projects under the $9 billion Program – is focused on improving sections of the Bruce Highway with particularly high safety risk, to reduce the frequency as well as severity of crashes. 

Key initiatives to be carried out include wide centre line treatments – including road widening and audio tactile line marking – strengthening pavement, overtaking lanes, rest areas, improving intersections and widening narrow bridge structures. 

Remaining projects under the early works package will continue to be rolled out this year, and subsequent tranches of works as part of the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program will follow thereafter. 

“As someone who often travels through this part of Queensland, it’s great to see works that are funded through the $7.2 billion commitment we announced earlier this year, officially begin. 

“More than 100 people have lost their lives on Queensland roads so far this year, which is a devastating reminder of why these much-needed safety treatments along our state’s major road corridor are so vital,” Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said. 

In the coming weeks, pavement strengthening at Toomulla Intersection between Townsville and Ingham as well as the installation of wide centre line treatment, including road widening between Bowen and Ayr, will commence. 

Works near Hencamp Creek are also due for completion this month, with the other projects expected to be completed by mid next year, weather permitting. 

The Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, each contributing $7.2 billion and $1.8 billion respectively. 

Motorists are encouraged to download the QLDTraffic App to stay up to date with traffic information and to plan ahead while vital upgrades along the Bruce Highway are carried out. 

“Any effort to improve safety and reduce risk along this stretch is a step in the right direction, and one the region strongly welcomes. 

“This latest announcement builds on our commitment to delivering the safer roads Queenslanders deserve. 

“Our region should take comfort in how quickly the Crisafulli Government is demonstrating decisive leadership to improve safety along one of the most dangerous stretches of road between Curra and Bauple,” QLD Minister fo Primary Industries and Member for Gympie Tony Perrett MP said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Roads & Infrastructure Australia