Construction has begun on the first 16 priority upgrades under the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program.
Works are now underway at multiple sites identified as high-risk crash zones along Queensland’s primary north-south transport corridor.
The early works form part of a $200 million fast-tracked construction package jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments. The first to break ground was at Bauple, where road widening and new turning lanes are being added at Stratford Road and Brooks Road intersections.
Other projects currently under construction include the construction of a new all-vehicle rest area at the Curra Interchange, and pavement strengthening near Hencamp Creek between Townsville and Ingham.
Safety upgrades are also underway between Chapmans Road and Stratford Road. Additional pavement works are set to begin shortly at Toomulla and between Bowen and Ayr.
These upgrades are the first tangible signs of the broader Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, which includes an additional $100 million package dedicated to preconstruction and design works across multiple priority segments, such as Rockhampton to St Lawrence, Mackay to Proserpine, and Ingham to Innisfail.
These preparatory stages will underpin future tranches of the program over the coming years.
Key treatments under the $200 million early construction package include the installation of wide centre lines with audio tactile line markings, pavement strengthening, additional overtaking lanes and intersection upgrades, as well as the construction of new rest areas and safety treatments across more than a dozen regional locations, including Barton Road near Benaraby and Bootooloo Road between Bowen and Ayr.
The early works are intended to address crash-prone blackspots quickly while the longer-term engineering design phases continue.
According to project maps released by Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads, these projects span all five of the state’s highway regions, from Wide Bay-Burnett to Far North Queensland.
The highway remains a critical freight and passenger artery, but sections have been plagued by safety and capacity concerns for decades. Many of the new works are considered long overdue.
“In January, we made a record funding commitment to finally fix the Bruce, and today, we’re delivering on that promise with construction underway,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King.
“Queenslanders deserve a long-term plan for the state’s deadliest road.”
“These early works are proof that this investment is turning into real results – better roads and jobs in regional areas,” said Queensland Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg.
Further information and project maps are available at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/brucehighway
