The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are getting on with delivering critical Bruce Highway upgrades, with procurement for major works on the Tiaro Bypass (south of Maryborough) underway and the project moving towards construction.  

The highly anticipated project will deliver an 8.5-kilometre four-lane highway east of the township of Tiaro. 

The new Tiaro Bypass will improve travel times and traffic flow by separating local and through traffic, reducing the queuing that currently occurs through town.

The final design includes grade-separated interchanges north and south of Tiaro, and will work to improve safety, traffic efficiency and flood resilience along this section of the Bruce Highway.

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads has engaged with the market for the main construction work and will lead the procurement process, following a recent commitment from the Albanese Government to provide additional funding for the project.  

Construction timeframes will be confirmed once a contractor has been appointed.

For more information, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/bruce-highway-gympie-maryborough-tiaro-bypass-construct-four-lane-bypass

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

“The Albanese Government is committed to delivering safer and more reliable highways for regional communities.

“The Tiaro Bypass is an important project for the efficiency of the Bruce Highway and for the many people who use this critical route.

"Our additional funding which we provided in the 2026-27 Budget supports it moving to construction.

“We are investing in critical infrastructure to improve safety, reduce congestion and support economic growth across regional Queensland.”

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

"The start of procurement marked a major step forward for the project.

“The Crisafulli Government committed to delivering a safer, more resilient Bruce Highway for Queenslanders, and delivering the Tiaro Bypass is just another way we’re getting on with the job.

“The start of procurement for the Tiaro Bypass shows we are improving safety and reliability along the entire Bruce Highway.

"By investing in the Tiaro Bypass, we are building a better Bruce Highway to support a growing population, improving safety for anyone who drives the Bruce and liveability for locals.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm:

“Delivering a better Bruce Highway for Queenslanders is a top priority of our government.

“We’ve seen the immense safety benefits the Gympie Bypass has delivered for regional Queenslanders; the Tiaro Bypass is another part of the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to improving safety on the Bruce.

“The Bruce Highway isn’t just a major commuter and tourist route; it’s also a crucial freight link between Queensland’s regional areas and our economically critical ports.

“This investment will provide locals, visitors and freight operators with a safer and more reliable journey.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Maryborough John Barounis:

"Locals have waited too long for this critical upgrade.

“Anyone who has driven through Tiaro over the school holidays, knows how long you can get stuck in traffic trying to get through town.

“It’s frustrating for people driving through town, and it’s dangerous for pedestrians in town.

“Now we have secured additional funding for this project from the Commonwealth, we are finally getting on with delivering the Tiaro Bypass, just like we said we would.”