Construction has begun on a transformative $290 million upgrade for the Bruce Highway, with Queensland Premier Steven Miles attending a sod turning event for the project.
The Federal Government has committed $232 million toward the $290 million project in partnership with the Queensland Government, which is part of a $5.6 billion Federal investment in the Bruce Highway South corridor.
It comes as locals are given a first look at designs of the upgrades – set to deliver extended north-facing ramps to help manage increasing traffic demands on the highway and improve local connections.
Stage 1 of the upgrade will provide new northbound entry and southbound exit ramps between the Dohles Rocks Road and Anzac Avenue interchanges along the Bruce Highway.
The extended ramps will improve access and help manage increasing highway traffic demands, while easing pressure on the local road network.
The project aims to reduce congestion on the highway and local road network and reduce travel times, while supporting 340 jobs during construction.
The major build is one of many big transport builds in the pipeline for the busy Bruce Highway, as part of Queensland’s record $37.4 billion transport program.
$5.3 billion of this will be spent across the North Coast Region, taking in Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and surrounds.
Major upgrades on the Bruce Highway will complement the Federal and Queensland governments’ major investment in Sunshine Coast Direct Rail – the longest ever spur rail line in Queensland’s South East.
The rail project is expected to take thousands of cars off the Bruce Highway every day and drive major housing development through the southern Sunshine Coast region.
RoadTek is carrying out the first phase of works, which will include vegetation clearing, land preparation works, property demolitions, and service relocations for electricity, gas, water and telecommunications.
These activities are needed to prepare the site for main construction, which is planned to start by the end of 2024.
This upgrade forms part of integrated planning undertaken for the Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway Upgrades (GMHBU) to provide a whole-of-network solution to manage increasing traffic volumes in the north Brisbane and Moreton Bay regions.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that the Bruce Highway is one of the nation’s busiest corridors and motorists, truck drivers and holiday makers rely on it every day.
“We’re continuing to invest in and improve the Bruce Highway because we know how important a safe, smooth and reliable road network is for a growing population,” Ms King said.
“Works starting on this critical upgrade is an important step towards improving traffic capacity and local connectivity along this section of the Bruce.”
Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said that as someone who commutes from Mango Hill via the Bruce Highway most days, he knows how critical major upgrades to the Bruce Highway are.
“That’s why I’m doing what matters for my community – delivering major improvements to the busy Bruce,” Mr Miles said
“This $290 million project will keep locals moving now, as we get on with planning further upgrades between the Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway.
“As more people move to Queensland, we need a multi-modal solution. That’s why the government is also delivering a direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.
“Only my government is doing what matters for Queensland, like building a better Bruce Highway.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish, said that upgrading this section of the Bruce Highway will help prepare the transport network for future growth in this region and will reduce congestion and improve travel times.
“We recognise these works will create some traffic changes in the local area and we are committed to minimising these impacts where possible as the first phase of construction progresses,” Mr Mellish said.
“There’s a lot happening across Queensland while we’re in the biggest decade of infrastructure delivery in our history – Queensland’s Big Build.
“This means you may experience some disruption from time to time, which can be frustrating, but what it signals is that your area is improving.
“Our investment in this significant infrastructure upgrade means you will get home safer and sooner, to spend more time with family and friends and enjoy Queensland’s great lifestyle.
“We thank the community and road users for their cooperation and patience while works are underway.”
Image: Martin Valigursky/shutterstock.com
