Through the $13 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, the Sunshine Coast road network is being upgraded to significantly improve flood resilience, safety as well as capacity.
These projects include the construction of ten three-lane bridges that can withstand a one-in-100-year flood at five creek crossings between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and Steve Irwin Way, including where there was major flooding that led to the Bruce Highway being cut late last month.
“We’re working to make highway closures through this section far less common.
“The new southbound bridges and approaches currently under construction at King Johns and Lagoon creeks will be at least 2.4 metres higher than the current low-lying ones.
“The existing northbound bridges over King Johns and Lagoon creeks, already higher than the southbound bridges, will be replaced with new bridges sitting 1.3 metres higher,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said.
These bridges are being built as part of the $662.5 million Bruce Highway Caboolture – Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way upgrade that is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on an 80:20 basis. Works under this upgrade are due for completion by late 2023.
Crews are already assessing the construction sites affected by the recent flooding and are preparing to resume works.
According to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, the Bruce Highway is a vital part of the national road network and the upgrades are welcome news for the 115,000 motorists who travel along these sections of the highway each day.
“I appreciate the patience of locals and industry as we worked to reopen the road, and for the ongoing efforts of crews on the ground who are continuing to clean-up and repair our roads.
“Ongoing flood repairs will also be scheduled on the Bruce Highway, and a number of roads on the state-controlled road network in the coming months, to permanently repair any damage and ensure these areas are more flood resilient than before.
“We know the road to recovery is going to be a long one but we’re working together to progress these vital upgrades to give motorists and our freight industry more certainty in the future,” Minister Bailey said.
Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said that the upgrades complement other projects being delivered along the Bruce Highway where the Australian Government has invested about $10 billion to make the highway safer, smoother and more reliable.
The significant investment includes $130.6 million towards the $163.3 million Deception Bay Road interchange project that is already under construction.
“This upgrade includes two new bridges over the Bruce Highway and removal of the existing bridge, plus crucial upgrades to two intersections and drainage improvements at the interchange.
“The Australian Government is committed to investing in and delivering the infrastructure projects that matter to Queenslanders and local businesses,” Mr Young said.
On behalf of locals, Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting has welcomed the projects along the Bruce Highway where locals travel up and down each day.
Mr Whiting added: “It’s because of these upgrades that we will keep getting these Queenslanders home safely.”
The State Government will continue prioritising vital upgrades on the Bruce Highway that will benefit the growing communities north of Brisbane.
Member for Kurwongbah Shane King said: “I’m proud of the commitment from the Palaszczuk Government to important upgrades, including interchange upgrades, which will allow locals to better access the Bruce Highway.
“I speak for all residents, and especially those in Narangba and Burpengary, when I say these upgrades are appreciated.”
The upgrades have contributed more than $1.4 billion worth of road and transport projects in the North Coast region.
“The Palaszczuk Government’s record $27.5 billion road and transport plan over the next four years is setting our region up for success.
“Through extensive flood resilience project, capacity upgrades and safety works, we’re building a better, more interconnected Sunshine Coast that will be able to better withstand future events like this,” Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said.
Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development ; Sunshine Coast News