Main construction has begun ahead of schedule on a Bruce Highway safety upgrade between Dean Road and Tully High School, as part of the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program (BHTSP).

The BHTSP comprises of $7.2 billion from the Australian Government and $1.8 billion from the Queensland Government.

Early works have been underway since August last year to prepare the site, with main construction now ramping up and the project on track for completion in mid-2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.

The $25 million upgrade is jointly funded, with the Australian Government providing $20 million and the Queensland Government providing $5 million.

The project will deliver an upgrade of the signalised intersection at the Bruce Highway and Dean Road, as well as road and shoulder widening, wide centre line treatment, vegetation removal, culvert installations and extensions, and drainage and edge treatments.

Wide centre line treatment will replace the existing narrow road section, providing greater separation between oncoming vehicles and reducing the risk of head-on crashes.

To keep road users and roadwork crews safe, changed traffic conditions will be in place, including temporary speed limit reductions and single-lane operation while works are completed.

Variable message signs will alert motorists to changed conditions in advance.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“Works to improve the Bruce Highway are underway across the state, funded by this historic $9 billion investment.

“The Albanese Government is deeply committed to improving road safety on the Bruce to help save lives and support the communities and industries that rely on this critical route.

“We are providing the long-term certainty needed to make the Bruce Highway safer, stronger and more resilient to FNQ’s wet season.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg:

“Safety along the Bruce is receiving a major boost under the landmark $9 billion program.

“Queenslanders are seeing the benefits as we accelerate these safety focused works at priority locations north of Gympie, and we’ll continue to drive forward delivering them across the regions.

“This safety-focused program will play a crucial role complementing various other activities aimed at enhancing flood resilience and capacity along the Bruce Highway.

“Under the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, further significant future upgrades will be rolled out strategically across far north Queensland with overall completion targeting 2030.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Northern Australia and Senator for Queensland Nita Green:

“Upgrading the Bruce Highway improves safety and supports the local economy by ensuring our primary producers and tourism operators can travel across far north Queensland with greater confidence and fewer delays.

“By targeting this high-risk stretch between Dean Road and Tully High School, we are delivering the modern, high-standard infrastructure that the Cassowary Coast deserves.

“This is what delivering for regional Queensland looks like.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa:

“The early start on works is welcome news for the Tully community.

“The Bruce Highway is the lifeline of far north Queensland, and every safety improvement we can make on this corridor matters enormously for local families, commuters and freight operators.

“Getting this project underway ahead of schedule is exactly the kind of action locals have been calling for, and the Crisafulli Government is delivering.

“I encourage motorists to be patient and observe the changed traffic conditions while these important works are completed, the end result will be a safer road for everyone travelling through Tully.”