Upgrades to improve safety on a 2.4-kilometre section of the Bruce Highway in Queensland is now underway. The safety improvements are being carried out approximately 1.5 kilometres north of Gin Gin in Bundaberg.
This $8.23 million project is part of the $1.04 billion Bruce Highway Safety Package which is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, with each contributing $831.3 million and $207.8 million respectively.
“We are investing in making the Bruce safer so people can get home to their families sooner and safer, as well as boosting productivity,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.
This project is set to deliver a wider centreline to provide a wider distance between oncoming vehicles. Works will also include the installation of Township Entry Treatments (TET) to the north and south of Gin Gin.
“TET involve installing signs and line-marking at the entrance to rural towns to remind drivers to slow down.
“These treatments have proven effective in reducing vehicle speeds and crash rates as they enhance a driver’s awareness of the changing road environment,” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said.
Works on the safety improvements are being undertaken by Hazell Brothers and the project is expected to support up to 27 jobs.
In addition, widening the highway will make it possible to install dedicated right and left-turn lanes at the Rangeview Road, Gin Gin-Mount Perry Road and Damascus Road intersections.
Vegetation along the highway will be removed as well, which will help reduce the risk and severity of run-off-road crashes along the route.
Weather permitting, the works are due to be completed by mid-2019.
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Source: Queensland Government; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
