- 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.
- Four of those projects will be delivered across North Queensland.
- 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.
North Queensland will benefit from four 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:
- Bowen to Ayr – Pavement strengthening in four sections.
- Ayr to Townsville – Pavement strengthening in six sections.
- Townsville to Ingham – Pavement strengthening in five sections.
- Mackenzie Creek to Tindall Court – Wide centre line treatment with road widening and audio tactile line marking.
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 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 Burdekin Dale Last said the upgrades would benefit the entire region, from families to freight operators.
"These upgrades will save lives, reduce delays, and improve safety for every driver on the Bruce," Mr Last said.
"We've listened to the community and we're getting on with the job of delivering the infrastructure upgrades that regional Queensland needs."
Member for Townsville Adam Bailie said Bruce Highway was the backbone of Queensland.
"For North Queensland, the Bruce is the lifeline that links our communities, industries, and supply chains. Our port, our defence bases, our agricultural producers, our manufacturers and our local small businesses all rely on trucks moving smoothly up and down this Highway," Mr Baillie said.
Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole said she was proud to be part of a government that was prioritising road safety.
"These are long-awaited upgrades that our highway desperately needs to keep our community safe while travelling," Mrs Poole said.
Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr said the BHTSP funding partnership was delivering real outcomes for regional communities.
"Thanks to the 80/20 federal funding agreement with the Crisafulli Government, we're investing in critical infrastructure upgrades to make our roads safer for everyone," Ms Marr said.
Member-elect for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the much-needed improvements were a win for Hinchinbrook.
"The people of Hinchinbrook deserve safe and reliable roads, this investment is delivering that and will make a real difference for the locals who use the Bruce every day," Mr Chiesa said.
