- 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.
- Two of those projects will be delivered in Far North Queensland with works to start next year.
- 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.
Far North Queensland will benefit from two 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:
- Ingham to Innisfail – Pavement strengthening in five sections.
- Innisfail to Cairns – Pavement strengthening in four sections.
Work has already begun on the next round of 22 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, all of those in Far North and North Queensland, 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 Barron River Bree James said these safety upgrades on the Bruce Highway were a big win for Far North Queensland.
"Improving road resilience and reducing crash risks will make travel safer for locals and visitors and I'm proud to see investment flowing into our region to support growth and help protect lives," Ms James said.
Member for Mulgrave Terry James said it was great to see the Crisafulli Government and Australian Government delivering these critical works to the Bruce.
"I only drove that section of the road yesterday, partly in pouring rain. These important safety upgrades will help to save lives and make travelling the Bruce much safer for everyone," Mr James said.
Member for Cook David Kempton said the latest investment would deliver safer, more reliable connections for communities and industries across Far North Queensland.
"These works are critical for our region, improving safety for locals and visitors while supporting freight and tourism along the Bruce Highway," Mr Kempton said.
