- The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are delivering safer roads for Far North Queensland, with main construction now underway ahead of schedule on a key Bruce Highway safety upgrade between Dean Road and Tully High School.
- The upgrade is part of the jointly funded $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, the largest ever single investment on the highway, and will deliver wide centre line treatment, intersection upgrades and road widening to reduce the risk of crashes on this critical section.
- Works are on track for completion in mid-2027, with changed traffic conditions including temporary speed limit reductions and single lane operations in place to keep road users and workers safe.
Main construction has begun ahead of schedule on a Bruce Highway safety upgrade between Dean Road and Tully High School, as part of the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program.
The Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program comprises of $7.2 billion from the Australian Government and $1.8 billion from the Queensland Government.
Early works have been underway since August last year to prepare the site, with main construction now ramping up and the project on track for completion in mid-2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.
The $25 million upgrade is jointly funded, with the Australian Government providing $20 million and the Queensland Government providing $5 million.
The project will deliver an upgrade of the signalised intersection at the Bruce Highway and Dean Road, as well as road and shoulder widening, wide centre line treatment, vegetation removal, culvert installations and extensions, and drainage and edge treatments.
Wide centre line treatment will replace the existing narrow road section, providing greater separation between oncoming vehicles and reducing the risk of head-on crashes.
To keep road users and roadwork crews safe, changed traffic conditions will be in place, including temporary speed limit reductions and single-lane operation while works are completed.
Variable message signs will alert motorists to changed conditions in advance.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the Australian Government was committed to improving road safety on the Bruce Highway.
"Works to improve the Bruce Highway are underway across the state, funded by this historic $9 billion investment," Minister King said.
"The Albanese Government is deeply committed to improving road safety on the Bruce to help save lives and support the communities and industries that rely on this critical route.
"We are providing the long-term certainty needed to make the Bruce Highway safer, stronger and more resilient to FNQ's wet season."
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.
"Safety along the Bruce is receiving a major boost under the landmark $9 billion program," Minister Mickelberg said.
"Queenslanders are seeing the benefits as we accelerate these safety focused works at priority locations north of Gympie, and we'll continue to drive forward delivering them across the regions.
"This safety-focused program will play a crucial role complementing various other activities aimed at enhancing flood resilience and capacity along the Bruce Highway.
"Under the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, further significant future upgrades will be rolled out strategically across far north Queensland with overall completion targeting 2030."
Assistant Minister for Northern Australia and Senator for Queensland Nita Green improving safety on the Bruce would support regional economies.
"Upgrading the Bruce Highway improves safety and supports the local economy by ensuring our primary producers and tourism operators can travel across far north Queensland with greater confidence and fewer delays," Senator Green said.
"By targeting this high-risk stretch between Dean Road and Tully High School, we are delivering the modern, high-standard infrastructure that the Cassowary Coast deserves.
"This is what delivering for regional Queensland looks like."
Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the early start on works was welcome news for the Tully community.
"The early start on works is welcome news for the Tully community," Mr Chiesa said.
"The Bruce Highway is the lifeline of far north Queensland, and every safety improvement we can make on this corridor matters enormously for local families, commuters and freight operators.
"Getting this project underway ahead of schedule is exactly the kind of action locals have been calling for, and the Crisafulli Government is delivering.
"I encourage motorists to be patient and observe the changed traffic conditions while these important works are completed, the end result will be a safer road for everyone travelling through Tully."
