Procurement begins for new Tiaro Bypass main construction works

The new Tiaro Bypass south of Maryborough in Queensland is a step closer to construction as procurement commences for major works on this critical Bruce Highway upgrade.

The $336 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, each contributing $268.8 million and $67.2 million respectively.

This highly anticipated project will improve travel times as well as traffic flow by separating local and through traffic, reducing the queuing that currently happens through the town.

“The start of procurement marked a major step forward for the project.

“The Crisafulli Government committed to delivering a safer, more resilient Bruce Highway for Queenslanders, and delivering the Tiaro Bypass is just another way we’re getting on with the job.

“The start of procurement for the Tiaro Bypass shows we are improving safety and reliability along the entire Bruce Highway.

“By investing in the Tiaro Bypass, we are building a better Bruce Highway to support a growing population, improving safety for anyone who drives the Bruce and liveability for locals,” QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said.

“Delivering a better Bruce Highway for Queenslanders is a top priority of our government.

“We’ve seen the immense safety benefit the Gympie Bypass has delivered for regional Queenslanders; the Tiaro Bypass is another part of the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to improving safety on the Bruce.

“The Bruce Highway isn’t just a major commiter and tourist route; it’s also a crucial freight link between Queensland’s regional areas and our economically critical ports.

“This investment will provide locals, visitors and freight operators with a safer and more reliable journey,” Federal Minister for Reginal Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said.

Project map (source: QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads)

Key features of the new Tiaro Bypass include:

• 8.5 kilometres of new four-lane highway east of Tiaro with a concrete centre median separating opposing traffic lanes
• Two grade separated interchanges north and south of Tiaro to provide easy connectivity for residents and visitors
• Realignment of local roads to the closest new interchange
• Improved highway flood immunity – designed for a 1-in-100-year flood event

The final design for the bypass will help improve safety, traffic efficiency, and flood resilience along this section of the Bruce Highway.

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads has engaged with the market for the main construction work and will lead the procurement process. This follows a recent commitment from the Albanese Government to provide additional funding for the Tiaro Bypass.

Construction timeframes will be confirmed once a contractor has been appointed.

“The Albanese Government is committed to delivering safer and more reliable highways for regional communities.

“The Tiaro Bypass is an important project for the efficiency of the Bruce Highway and for the many people who use this critical route.

“Our additional funding which we provided in the 2026-27 Budget supports it moving to construction.

“We are investing in critical infrastructure to improve safety, reduce congestion and support economic growth across regional Queensland,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.

“Locals have waited too long for this critical upgrade.

“Anyone who has driven through Tiaro over the school holidays, knows how long you can get stuck in traffic trying to get through town.

“It’s frustrating for people driving through town, and it’s dangerous for pedestrians in town.

“Now we have secured additional funding for this project from the Commonwealth, we are finally getting on with delivering the Tiaro Bypass, just like we said we would,” State Member for Maryborough John Barounis said.

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