The Queensland 2025/26 Budget has allocated $412 million to upgrades for the Bruce Highway, kickstarting the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program.
The funding forms part of the government’s broader commitment to deliver upgrades for the spine of Queensland, with construction already underway on five priority projects.
This includes three projects underway at Bauple north of Gympie, a new rest area under construction at Curra, and road strengthening near Hencamp Creek between Townsville and Ingham, which is almost completed. Two projects near Townsville are scheduled to start this coming week.
Wide centre line treatment, including audio-tactile line marking, is the key focus of several of the current projects to address the most common types of fatal crashes on the Bruce Highway – run-off road and head-on crashes.
As part of the Budget, a dedicated Program Management Office has also been established to oversee the Bruce upgrades, and outlines 150 new frontline staff to help deliver the program across regional Queensland.
These teams will include engineers, project managers, and safety specialists to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and to the highest standard.
This year’s Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) includes a record $42 billion for safer roads and better transport across Queensland over the next four years, delivering for 2032 and beyond.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, said that the Budget funding would ensure the program hit the ground running.
“Our Budget is delivering upgrades for the Bruce Highway with rubber hitting the road on projects,” Mickelberg said.
“Now we have locked-in $412 million for this upcoming financial year, to continue rolling out safety upgrades where they’re needed most – widening lanes, improving intersections, and building new rest areas to save lives.
“This is a Budget that backs Queenslanders, investing in safer roads, stronger communities, and a transport network that supports our growing State – and we’re doing it while having respect for taxpayers’ money.”
