The sod has been turned to signal the beginning of construction on the $929.3 million Bruce Highway Upgrade – Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway project. Once completed, this almost a billion-dollar project will increase safety as well as ease congestion for the 40,000 motorists who use this route each day.
According to Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Darren Chester, this project is part of the Australian Government’s $75 billion commitment to vital road, rail and airport infrastructure projects.
“Upgrading the Bruce Highway is a priority project of the Australian Government’s infrastructure roll out, evidenced by the $844 million allocated in this year’s budget for new projects.
“This upgrade will provide nearly 700 direct jobs, and project works will include transforming the Caloundra Road Interchange to a Diverging Diamond Interchange – a first for Australia,” Mr Chester said.
State Main Roads Minister Mark bailey said that the Bruce Highway Upgrade project is important for the continued development of the coast as well as provide safer and more efficient travel for motorists and industry along the Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway section of the highway.
“The project will involve upgrading the Highway from four to six lanes, including major upgrades to both the Caloundra Road and Sunshine Motorway interchanges. A new two-way western service road will also be provided for local traffic between Steve Irwin Way and Tanawha Tourist Drive.
“Importantly, it will separate long-distance Bruce Highway traffic from local traffic movements, allowing the highway to function as a high-speed, high volume corridor,” Mr Bailey said.
The Bruce Highway Upgrade – Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, investing approximately $743.4 million and $185.9 million respectively.
Weather permitting, major construction works are expected to be completed by late 2020.
For more information, visit the Bruce Highway Upgrade – Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway project page.
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