- Momentum is building across the Bruce Highway with several project completions, along with 10 new projects underway and 52 new tenders to open for design and construction.
- 11 projects are already complete, work is continuing on an additional 46 projects, and almost 60 more will begin progressively from 2026, with further projects to come throughout the program and expected to be completed in 2030.
- Over the next 12-months, hundreds of kilometres will receive wide centre-line treatment, pavement strengthening, intersections upgraded and bridges replaced.
- Projects are being delivered under the $9bn Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, funded 80:20 by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are delivering major upgrades to the Bruce Highway from Gympie to Cairns, with 11 major projects completed and 46 more underway.
This is in addition to 10 new projects commencing.
Announced from the soon-to-be opened Curra Rest Area, the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have today marked the string of major milestones across the Bruce, with:
- 52 tenders to open for design and construction packages.
- 10 projects to be underway in Central Queensland (7 with construction having started and three to start this month).
- The completion of safety upgrades at Bauple – some of the first projects to break ground.
- The completion of flood resilience works at Dallachy Road, south of Tully.
The Curra rest area is one of the first projects announced under the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, which the Albanese Government has committed $7.2 billion and the Crisafulli Government $1.8 billion.
The upcoming release of 52 tenders for projects under the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program is the next major wave of works, with 40 construction and 12 design tenders to build momentum and support the delivery of safety upgrades.
The 52 tenders will progress more than 200 kilometres of wide centre line treatment, 100 kilometres of pavement strengthening, five new overtaking lanes, 13 intersection upgrades, two rest areas, and the replacement of three narrow bridges in Far North Queensland at Five Mile, Little Moresby, and Boobah creeks.
The Central Queensland upgrades will create a more resilient Bruce with a road surface less prone to potholes, and more skid-resistant in wet weather, across 10 priority sections along the Bruce between Gin Gin and Bowen.
The now completed safety upgrades at Bauple will improve traffic flow and reduce crash risks, with a wider road, dedicated left and right-turn lanes at the Stratford Road intersection, dedicated right-turn lane at the Brooks Road intersection, with additional road widening between Chapmans and Stratford roads.
These 52 tenders are in addition to the substantial program of works which will come to market in the next 12 months, including:
- Nine initial new overtaking lanes at various locations including between Gin Gin and Benaraby, Benaraby and Rockhampton and Townsville and Ingham. More than 300km of wide centre line treatment.
- More than 145km of pavement strengthening.
- 23 intersection upgrades.
- Two new rest areas near Kolanga, adding to the brand new Curra rest area and Granite Creek site under construction.
- Replacement of eight narrow bridges between Ayr and Townsville and Ingham and Innisfail, including at Palm Creek, St Margaret Creek, Emmett Creek, Mackenzie Creek and Alligator Creek.
Flood resilience works on the Bruce Highway between Dallachy Road and south of Dean Road near Tully are now also complete. These improvements mean the flood resilience in this part of the Bruce is consistent with nearby sections, with modelling showing it will reduce the average yearly flood during by 40 per cent.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the release of 52 additional tenders demonstrated the scale and momentum of the program.
"The Albanese Government is committed to improving safety on the Bruce Highway, and these latest tenders represent another significant step in delivering upgrades that will help save lives and support regional communities and industries," Minister King said.
"With a number of projects already completed and now these 52 new tenders coming to market, we are accelerating the rollout of critical safety upgrades along the Bruce."
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government was focused on delivering a safer, more resilient Bruce Highway as quickly as possible.
"This next wave of tenders shows the program is continuing to move at full speed. The use of dedicated panels is streamlining procurement and giving industry the confidence it needs to keep crews on the ground," Minister Mickelberg said.
"We told Queenslanders we are committed to fixing the Bruce and works are already making a real difference for motorists, regional communities and freight operators between Gympie and Cairns.
"The works we're carrying out across the Bruce not only enhances road safety but also supports local jobs and businesses across our state."
Assistant Minister for Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm said record investment was being delivered for the Bruce Highway.
"The Albanese Government is delivering record investment to build a better Bruce Highway for Queenslanders," Senator Chisholm said.
"From here near Gympie and all the way up to Cairns, we are accelerating the delivery of intersection upgrades, rest area improvements, wide centre line treatments and pavement strengthening.
"These works will make a real difference for drivers, freight operators and regional Queenslanders, and form part of a long-term pipeline of upgrades that will squarely benefit the people who live here."
Member for Gympie Tony Perrett MP said the latest milestones demonstrate important progress that is improving safety and reliability along the Bruce Highway in the Gympie region.
"The Bruce Highway is critical to our region and continued investment in its safety and reliability is vital for local families, businesses and freight operators who rely on it every day," Mr Perrett said.
"The recent completion of the Bauple upgrades, the new Curra rest area and the planned works still to come between Curra and Davey Road demonstrate we are getting on with the job of delivering a safer and more reliable Bruce Highway for our region."
The project at Dallachy Road was jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments on an 80:20 basis as part of the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program. All other projects were funded on an 80:20 basis between the Albanese and Crisafulli Government through the $9bn Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program.
For tender details, visit: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/business-with-us/tenders-and-contracts/tenders
