- Construction set to begin on major safety upgrade at the Bruce Highway and Mourilyan Harbour Road intersection with traffic signals to be installed.
- The upgrade will improve safety and reliability for motorists travelling through the intersection while supporting freight access to and from the Port of Mourilyan, helping get Far North Queenslanders home sooner and safer.
- The project is being delivered under the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, funded 80:20 by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments.
Construction will soon begin on a major safety upgrade at the Bruce Highway and Mourilyan Harbour Road intersection, south of Innisfail, to get Far North Queenslanders home sooner and safer.
The project will install traffic signals, a new signalised pedestrian crossing and footpaths, improve on-road cycling infrastructure and upgrade line marking.
Once complete, it will provide safer access through the intersection and improve connectivity within the Mourilyan township while supporting freight access to and from the Port of Mourilyan.
The project forms part of the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, funded on an 80:20 basis, which is delivering safety improvements at priority locations between Gympie and Cairns.
Construction is also underway on pavement strengthening works at 10 locations between Bowen and Ingham as part of the program.
These works will improve the durability and resilience of the highway while supporting safer and more reliable journeys for Queensland communities, freight operators and visitors.
The Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program has made significant progress since it was first announced in 2025, with 17 projects completed and a further 16 currently under construction.
A significant pipeline of future works includes more than 52 tenders scheduled for release this financial year.
Construction at the Mourilyan Harbour Road intersection is expected to begin from early September and be completed in mid-2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.
During construction, temporary traffic changes including reduced speed limits will be in place to protect road workers and motorists. Wherever possible, two-way traffic will be maintained, however motorists should plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the Albanese Government was delivering the largest-ever investment in Bruce Highway safety.
"We want safer journeys for the communities, freight operators and visitors who rely on this vital route every day," Minister King said.
"This upgrade at Mourilyan will improve safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians while supporting freight access to the Port of Mourilyan and the broader regional economy.
"We are investing in practical improvements at priority locations to help save lives and support the communities and industries that rely on the highway."
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the project was another example of the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program delivering upgrades that will help Queenslanders get home safer and sooner.
"This project is another example of the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program delivering practical upgrades that will help Queenslanders get home safer and sooner," Minister Mickelberg said.
"Installing traffic signals and improving the intersection will make it safer and easier for motorists travelling through Mourilyan, while supporting freight movements along one of North Queensland's most important transport corridors.
"Funded through the 80:20 partnership secured between the Crisafulli and Albanese Governments, this upgrade adds to the 16 Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program projects already under construction across Queensland.
"Alongside major pavement strengthening works underway across North Queensland, these upgrades are helping deliver a safer, more reliable Bruce Highway for the communities, commuters and industries that depend on it."
Senator for Queensland Nita Green said the Albanese Government continued to invest in the Bruce Highway as a critical transport link for Queensland communities.
"In recognition of its importance as a major transport corridor for Queenslanders, the Albanese Government is delivering ongoing investments to improve the safety and reliability of the Bruce Highway," Senator Green said.
"These upgrades will make a real difference for drivers and freight operators across our region, and I am looking forward to seeing these works get underway."
Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the 80:20 investment was delivering infrastructure for regional Queensland.
"With every dollar in this program invested outside the South East Corner, we are building the infrastructure regional Queensland needs to support our growing population," Mr Chiesa said.
"We said we would deliver an upgraded Bruce Highway in an 80:20 split with the Commonwealth, and we are getting on with delivering it.
"Strengthening the Bruce Highway, including at Mourylian, means safer trips for locals and visitors alike."
