Additional smart traffic management technologies will be installed along a 60km stretch of the Bruce Highway to allow agencies to monitor and respond to changing traffic and weather conditions.
The additional Smart Motorways technology rollout along the Bruce Highway has started between the Pine River and Caloundra Road.
Ramp signals, variable speed limit and message signs, vehicle detection systems and CCTV cameras will allow agencies to proactively monitor and respond to changing conditions such as crashes, wet weather or heavy traffic conditions in real time.
These works are part of the $105 million Bruce Highway – Managed Motorways Stage 2 – Gateway Motorway to Caloundra Road Interchange project is jointly funded on an 80:20 basis by the Federal and Queensland Governments.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said through Federal Government investment, motorists can expect to see improvements in safety, efficiency and reliability along this busy stretch.
“As part of our commitment to improving the safety and performance of our national highways, the Federal Government has allocated $84 million towards this project, which is part of the 15-year, $13 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program,” Ms King said.
“Resilient and reliable transport is the backbone of the nation – delivering this type of infrastructure creates jobs, builds opportunity and unlocks economic growth and productivity.”
Queensland Deputy Premier and Member for Murrumba, Steven Miles, said it’s great to work with the Federal Government to deliver this $105 million project for the people of Murrumba.
“This technology will significantly improve the reliability of travel times on the stretch through to Caloundra Road, making it easier for locals to travel,” Mr Miles said.
The project will install wireless traffic sensors at priority locations along the highway to monitor vehicle travel times, traffic flow and speed. These traffic sensors will provide the coverage and resolution necessary to accurately monitor the highway’s performance in real time.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, said the investment in new technologies is keeping cars moving right across the state.
“This next stage will expand on the success of the program between Pine Rivers and Uhlmann Road by continuing through to Caloundra Road,” Mr Bailey said.
“Not only will this help Queenslanders get home safer and sooner, but we’re also supporting 140 good Queensland jobs which is fantastic news as our economy continues to boom.”
Targeted vegetation clearing, site establishment, investigative works and earthworks will also be occurring at various locations along the project corridor.
Preparations are currently underway around Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to widen the southbound entry ramp to the Bruce Highway and install a suite of technologies including ramp signalling, variable speed limit signs and a new shared path across the highway.
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm, said this is welcome news for people living across Caboolture, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast.
“We know how important the Bruce Highway is to these communities,” Mr Chisholm said.
“The upgrades will improve their journeys and commutes, allowing people to travel safely and more reliably across the region.
“It’s great to see the state and federal government working together to deliver for Queensland”.
Due to the high traffic volumes, most work will be carried out at night to minimise disruptions.
Traffic controllers, reduced speed limits and signs will be in place to ensure the safety of road workers and motorists.
Queensland Member for Kurwongbah, Shane King, said this system has been a great success in places like the M1, the Gateway Motorway and here on the Bruce Highway.
“The installation complements the other works taking place right now, like the Deception Bay interchange upgrade and widening works right through from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast,” Mr King said.
Works are expected to be completed in 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting.
For more information on the project, visit here.
