The Albanese and Crisafulli governments are delivering a safer, more reliable Bruce Highway, announcing the release of 22 new contracts as part of the historic $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program (BHTSP).

The package includes five construction procurement and 17 design contracts to accelerate delivery of safety works along priority stretches of highway between Gympie and Cairns and builds on early progress in the program, which is funded on an 80:20 basis between the Australian and Queensland governments.

The program is already gaining pace, with eight projects completed, 17 underway and another 13 construction projects rolling out from early 2026.

Every dollar of program funding will be spent between Gympie and Cairns.

Dedicated designer and constructor panels have been established for the BHTSP to streamline procurement, accelerate delivery and ensure value for money.

The 22 new contracts will include:

  • More than 100 kilometres of wide centre line treatments
  • 50 kilometres of pavement strengthening and new overtaking lanes
  • Five narrow bridge upgrades in north Queensland
  • Road widening and audio tactile line marking improvements south of Mirim Vale
  • Resurfacing works between Maryborough and Gin Gin
  • Upgrades to multiple intersections and rest areas.

Contractors will be appointed progressively from April 2026, with construction to follow.

Further details are available at tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/business-with-us/tenders-and-contracts/tenders.

For more information about the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, visit tmr.qld.gov.au/brucehighway.

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

“This latest activity signals significant progress in delivering the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program.

 “The Australian Government is proud to be funding 80 per cent of this $9 billion program, because improving safety on the Bruce Highway will help save lives and support the communities and industries that rely on this critical route.”

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

“The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering safer roads for Queensland.

“We’re keeping the momentum up with 23 new contracts moving to market to boost safety along the Bruce Highway.

“We told Queenslanders we are committed to fixing the Bruce and works are already making a real difference for motorists, regional communities and freight operators between Gympie and Cairns.”

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

“The Albanese Government is delivering record investment to build a better Bruce Highway for Queenslanders.

“From here in Burdekin and all the way up to Cairns, we are accelerating the delivery of intersection upgrades, rest area improvements, wide centre line treatments and pavement strengthening.

“These works will make a real difference for drivers, freight operators and regional Queenslanders, and form part of a long-term pipeline of upgrades that will squarely benefit the people who live here.”

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

“Regional Queenslanders know just how critical the Bruce Highway is for connecting our communities, supporting our industries and getting people home – these upgrades will help ensure safety.

“The Albanese Labor Government is connecting and protecting the Queenslanders who drive the Bruce every day.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Burdekin Dale Last:

“With every dollar in this program invested outside the southeast corner of Queensland, we are building the infrastructure regional Queensland needs to support our growing population.

"We said we would deliver an upgraded Bruce Highway in an 80:20 split with the Commonwealth, and we are getting on with delivering it.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa:

“These upgrades represent a major boost for north Queensland.

“Strengthening the Bruce Highway means safer trips for locals and visitors alike, and it’s great to see real investment backing the growth of our region and helping keep people safe.”

District Contract name Scope Contract type
Wide Bay Burnett Bruce Highway (Gin Gin – Benaraby), E Claxton Road and Rickards Road, intersection upgrade Upgrade intersection Construction
Wide Bay Burnett Bruce Highway (Gin Gin – Benaraby), Kalpower Road intersection upgrade and heavy vehicle rest area Upgrade intersection and Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Construction
Wide Bay Burnett Bruce Highway (Maryborough – Gin Gin), Howard to Doghole Creek Pavement strengthening Construction
Fitzroy Bruce Highway (Gin Gin – Benaraby), House Creek to Miriam Vale Wide centre line treatment Construction
Fitzroy Bruce Highway (Rockhampton – St Lawrence), Etna Creek Road to Plentiful Creek Road Planning and design for wide centre line treatment Design
Mackay Whitsunday Bruce Highway (Bowen – Ayr), Big Jack Creek to Armstrong Creek, Bruce Highway (Bowen - Ayr), Slater Creek to Wangaratta Creek Planning and design for wide centre line treatment Design
Mackay Whitsunday Bruce Highway (Proserpine – Bowen), Proserpine–Shute Harbour Road to Gregory–Cannon Valley Road, 
Bruce Highway (Proserpine – Bowen), Adelaide Point Road to Don Street		 Planning and design for wide centre line treatment Design
Mackay Whitsunday Bruce Highway (Rockhampton – St Lawrence), Granite Creek to St Lawrence Connection Road Planning and design for wide centre line treatment Design
Mackay Whitsunday Bruce Highway (St Lawrence – Mackay), Flaggy Rock Creek to West Hill Creek Planning and design for wide centre line treatment Design
Mackay Whitsunday Bruce Highway (Mackay –Proserpine), Mackay Ring Road to Farleigh Planning and design for wide centre line treatment Design
Far North Bruce Highway (Ingham – Innisfail), Mourilyan Harbour Road Upgrade intersection Construction
Far North Bruce Highway (Innisfail – Cairns), Anderson Road (Aloomba Turn Off) Upgrade intersection Design
Far North Bruce Highway (Innisfail – Cairns), Babinda to Deeral Planning and design for wide centre line treatment and upgrade intersections Design
Far North Bruce Highway (Innisfail – Cairns), Eubenangee to Josephine Creek Planning and design for wide centre line treatment and upgrade intersections Design
Far North Bruce Highway (Innisfail – Cairns), Fishery Falls to Behana Creek Planning and design for wide centre line treatment and upgrade intersections Design
Far North Bruce Highway (Innisfail – Cairns), Mill Road and Thomson Road Upgrade intersections Design
Far North Bruce Highway (Innisfail – Cairns), Mill Road to Swallow Road Upgrade intersections Design
Northern Bruce Highway (Ayr – Townsville), Julago Street to Stuart Rail Overpass Planning and design for wide centre line treatment and pavement strengthening Design
Northern Bruce Highway (Ayr – Townsville), Palm Creek to Alligator Creek, various bridge replacements Planning and design for replacement of five bridges Design
Northern Bruce Highway (Bowen – Ayr), Wangaratta to Home Hill Planning and design for wide centre line treatment, pavement strengthening and intersection improvements Design
Northern Bruce Highway (Townsville – Ingham), Mutarnee to Helens Hill Planning and design for wide centre line treatment, pavement strengthening, intersection improvements and overtaking lanes Design
Northern Bruce Highway (Townsville – Ingham), Yabulu to Bluewater Planning and design for wide centre line treatment and pavement strengthening Design