High-risk Bruce Highway intersection a step closer to being upgraded

As part of the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, funding has been allocated to deliver upgrades to the Walker Street intersection in Maryborough. 

Detailed planning is now underway, and construction is anticipated to commence this financial year. The final scope as well as cost and project delivery timeline will be determined through detailed planning, and further updates will be provided as the project progresses. 

“We said we’d improve safety at the Walker Street intersection and our first Budget delivered the funding to push forward with those works. 

“Queenslanders have known for a long time this intersection isn’t safe, and we want to rectify that so drivers can travel through it and safely get home to their families. 

“There’s also four other projects that are currently underway between Maryborough and Gympie as part of our $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program with the Federal Government,” Premier David Crisafulli said. 

The Bruce Highway, Walker Street intersection upgrade will help improve safety while maintaining the critical function of the Bruce Highway as a key freight and transport corridor. 

This intersection has been identified as a high-risk location due to increasing traffic volumes and its complex turning movements, which has been a safety concern for motorists, pedestrians, and freight operators. 

“This Government is serious about delivering safer, more reliable roads for Queenslanders. 

“The 80:20 funding deal we secured with the Federal Government for the Bruce Highway is a game-changer – unlocking $9 billion in targeted safety upgrades and ensuring regional communities like Maryborough get the infrastructure they deserve. 

“We’re investing where it counts, and the Waler Street upgrade is just one example of how we’re putting that commitment into action,” Minister for Trasport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said. 

Earlier this year, the speed limit on the Bruce Highway between Industrial Avenue and Showgrounds Road was reduced to 80km/h as well as to 60km/h between Showgrounds Road and the Henry Palmer Bridge – including the Walker Street intersection – as a short-term safety solution. 

Meanwhile, upgrades have been completed at three other intersections along Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road at Susan River, including on Stockman Way, Noble Road and Sunnyside Drive. 

These are among the 71 projects across Queensland being delivered under the Australian and Queensland Governments’ jointly Road Safety Program. 

“These upgrades are about protecting lives and supporting the growth of our region. 

“I’ve listened to the concerns of locals and advocated strongly for this funding – and I’m proud to see it delivered, as we said we would,” Member for Maryborough John Barounis said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Big Rigs