- New half a billion-dollar boost to the Bruce Highway.
- 22 new projects have been announced under the next round of the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program.
- Three of those projects will be delivered in the Wide Bay-Burnett region.
- Works are part of the historic $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program and follow the first 16 projects, which have either been completed, are under construction or due to start this month.
The Wide Bay-Burnett region will benefit from three new projects to improve safety and reliability along the Bruce Highway under the latest round of the historic $9 billion investment into Queensland's key north-south highway.
This next stage of works is part of a more than $500 million joint investment from the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments, delivering 22 new projects under the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program.
The works include building a stronger, more resilient road surface, to boost skid resistance, particularly in wet weather, as well as widening the road and installing wide centre line treatment and audio tactile line marking, to create more distance between traffic, reducing the risk of head-on collisions by up to 60 per cent on high-volume rural roads.
Local projects include:
- Curra to Davey Road – Pavement strengthening in two sections.
- Howard Turnoff to south of Doghole Creek – Pavement strengthening.
- Central Road to Mary River – Installation of wide centre line treatment including road widening and audio tactile line marking.
Work has already begun on the next round of projects and will continue next year, building on the safety benefits from the first round of 16 priority projects, announced in March.
Of those 16 priority projects, six are already complete with eight under construction and the remaining two to commence this month.
The Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program will continue to boost safety of the Bruce Highway, with additional rounds of projects to be announced as part of the $9 billion program.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said the Australian Government was deeply committed to improving road safety.
"Our record funding under the new $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program demonstrates our focus to making this a reality for the Bruce," Minister King said.
"With significant progress made in delivering the $300 million early start package for the program, this next wave of work will ensure prioritised safety improvements continue to roll out on the Bruce Highway, improving safety for the long-term."
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg said safety along the Bruce was receiving a major boost under the landmark $9 billion program.
"We are delivering a major boost to safety along the Bruce with rubber hitting the road on another 22 projects," Minister Mickelberg said.
"We're delivering the critical safety upgrades needed between Gympie and Cairns, to service the spine of our State.
"Communities are starting to see the benefits of our efforts to deliver for Queenslanders, particularly those in regional areas."
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the upgrades would deliver safer, more reliable travel for local communities.
"The Bruce Highway is a vital link for Burnett communities, but we know this stretch of highway can be unforgiving, so delivering safety upgrades will help to reduce road trauma in our region," Mr Bennett said.
Member for Maryborough John Barounis said the investment will deliver life-saving improvements for local motorists.
"The Bruce Highway is critical for our region, and these upgrades will make it safer for everyone who travels this stretch. Reducing the risk of head-on collisions and improving road conditions means more peace of mind for families and freight operators using this highway," Mr Barounis said.
Member for Hervey Bay David Lee said it was great to see action being taken to improve the Bruce.
"These works mean safer trips for families heading to school, tourists exploring our region, and freight operators keeping goods moving. It's about making the Bruce Highway work better for everyone who relies on it every single day," Mr Lee said.
