The Australian and Queensland Governments are getting on with fixing the Bruce Highway, with the first projects of the new $9 billion Safety Program now underway.
In March, both governments announced an "early works" package to fast-track 16 priority projects north of Gympie with the greatest safety risk.
Five priority projects are now under construction, with a further two to commence shortly, while six are under procurement with three more to be in procurement by mid-2025.
The works at Bauple, which were the first to break ground, include:
- dedicated left and right-turn lanes as well as road widening at the Stratford Road intersection;
- a new dedicated right-turn lane at the Brooks Road intersection;
- pavement widening between Chapmans Road and Stratford Road.
Other projects under construction include:
- a new all-vehicle rest area on the eastern side of Curra Interchange;
- pavement strengthening near Hencamp Creek between Townsville and Ingham.
The early works package is focused on improving sections with a particularly high safety risk to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes.
Key initiatives include wide centre line treatments (which includes road widening and audio tactile line marking), strengthening pavement, overtaking lanes, rest areas, improving intersections and widening narrow structures.
The early works package is the first tranche of projects in the jointly-funded program.
The remaining projects under the package will continue to be rolled out this year, with subsequent tranches of works as part of the broader $9 billion commitment following thereafter.
Pavement strengthening at Toomulla Intersection between Townsville and Ingham, and the installation of wide centre line treatment including road widening between Bowen and Ayr, will both begin shortly.
The work near Hencamp Creek is due for completion this month, with the other projects expected to be completed by mid-2026, weather permitting.
The Albanese Government is investing $7.2 billion towards the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, with the Queensland Crisafulli Government contributing the remaining $1.8 billion.
To stay up to date with traffic information and to plan ahead while these vital upgrades are carried out, motorists are encouraged to download the QLDTraffic App.
