Major construction begins on $25m Bruce Highway upgrade at Tully

More work as part of the record $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program (BHTSP) has commenced ahead of schedule on the section of the highway between Dean Road and Tully High School.

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

The $25 million Bruce Highway upgrade between Dean Road and Tully High School is jointly funded as well, with $20 million from the Federal Government and $5 million from the State Government.

“Works to improve the Bruce Highway are underway across the state, funded by this historic $9 billion investment.

“The Albanese Government is deeply committed to improving road safety on the Bruce to help save lives and support the communities and industries that rely on this critical route.

“We are providing the long-term ceertainty needed to make the Bruce Highway safer, stronger and more resilient to FNQ’s wet season,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.

“Safety along the Bruce is receiving a major boost under the landmark $9 billion program.

“Queenslanders are seeing the benefits as we accelerate these safety focused works at priority locations north of Gympie, and we’ll continue to drive forward delivering them across the regions.

“This safety-focused program will play a crucial role complementing various other activities aimed at enhancing flood resilience and capacity along the Bruce Highway.

“Under the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, further significant future upgrades will be rolled out strategically across Far North Queensland with overall completion targeting 2030,” QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said.

Early works on this section of the highway commenced in August of last year, and main construction activities are now ramping up. This project is on track to be completed in mid-2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.

This project will deliver an upgraded signalised Bruce Highway and Dean Road intersection, road and shoulder widening, wide centre line treatment, vegetation removal, culvert intstallations and extensions, and drainage and edge treatments.

The wide centre line treatment will replace the existing narrow road to provide greater separation between oncoming vehicles and reducing the risk of head-on crashes.

To keep all road users and construction crews safe, changes to traffic conditions will be in place including temporary speed limit reductions and single-lane operations while works are carried out. Variable message signs will alert motorists of changed conditions in advance.

“Upgrading the Bruce Highway improves safety and supports the local economy by ensuring our primary producers and tourism operators can travel across Far North Queensland with greater confidence and fewer delays.

“By targeting this high-risk stretch between Dean Road and Tully High School, we are delivering the modern, high-standard infrastructure that the Cassowary Coast deserves.

“This is what delivering for regional Queensland looks like,” Federal Assistant Minister for Northern Australia and Senator for Queensland Nita Green said.

“The early start on works is welcome news for the Tully community.

“The Bruce Highway is the lifeline of Far North Queensland, and every safety improvement we can make on this corridor matters enormously for local families, commuters and freight operators.

“Getting this project underway ahead of schedule is exactly the kind of action locals have been calling for, and the Crisafulli Government is delivering.

“I encourage motorists to be patient and observe the changed traffic conditions while these important works are completed, the end result will be a safer road for everyone travelling through Tully,” State Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said.

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Queensland Government – Media Statements