Construction begins on governments' commitment to fix the Bruce

The Australian and Queensland Governments are getting on with fixing the Bruce Highway, with the first projects of the new $9 billion Safety Program now underway.

In March, both governments announced an “early works” package to fast-track 16 priority projects north of Gympie with the greatest safety risk. 

Five priority projects are now under construction, with a further two to commence shortly, while six are under procurement with three more to be in procurement by mid-2025. 

The works at Bauple, which were the first to break ground, include:

• dedicated left and right-turn lanes as well as road widening at the Stratford Road intersection;
• a new dedicated right-turn lane at the Brooks Road intersection;
• pavement widening between Chapmans Road and Stratford Road. 

Other projects under construction include:

• a new all-vehicle rest area on the eastern side of Curra Interchange;
• pavement strengthening near Hencamp Creek between Townsville and Ingham. 

The early works package is focused on improving sections with a particularly high safety risk to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes.

Key initiatives include wide centre line treatments (which includes road widening and audio tactile line marking), strengthening pavement, overtaking lanes, rest areas, improving intersections and widening narrow structures. 

The early works package is the first tranche of projects in the jointly-funded program.

The remaining projects under the package will continue to be rolled out this year, with subsequent tranches of works as part of the broader $9 billion commitment following thereafter. 

Pavement strengthening at Toomulla Intersection between Townsville and Ingham, and the installation of wide centre line treatment including road widening between Bowen and Ayr, will both begin shortly.  

The work near Hencamp Creek is due for completion this month, with the other projects expected to be completed by mid-2026, weather permitting. 

The Albanese Government is investing $7.2 billion towards the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, with the Queensland Crisafulli Government contributing the remaining $1.8 billion. 

To stay up to date with traffic information and to plan ahead while these vital upgrades are carried out, motorists are encouraged to download the QLDTraffic App.

More information about the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program can be accessed at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/brucehighway. 

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

“In January, we made a record funding commitment to finally fix the Bruce, and today, we’re delivering on that promise with construction underway on the first projects under the $9 billion program. 

“The new safety package will fast-track critical projects along the whole corridor, with the initial focus on priority sections north of Gympie that have been identified by stakeholders due to their higher than average crash rates.

“Queenslanders deserve a long-term plan for the state’s deadliest road, and that’s what we’re delivering, with the Australian Government’s total investment in fixing the Bruce now over $17 billion.”

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

“We’re pushing forward to deliver a better Bruce for Queenslanders and these improvements at Bauple are just one part of the $9 billion investment in Queensland’s main highway to enhance safety.

“This is what delivery looks like. We are getting on with the job of building a safer, stronger Bruce Highway for Queenslanders. These early works are proof that this investment is turning into real results - better roads and jobs in regional areas. 

“We’re not just talking about fixing the Bruce - we’re doing it in lock step with the Federal Government, the Bruce Highway Advisory Council, industry and the community.”

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

“It’s critical that we continue to fund road safety projects in regional and rural areas, especially those in growth areas along the Bruce Highway. 

“As someone who often travels through this part of Queensland, it’s great to see works that are funded through the $7.2 billion commitment we announced earlier this year, officially begin.

“More than 100 people have lost their lives on Queensland roads so far this year, which is a devastating reminder of why these much-needed safety treatments along our state’s major road corridor are so vital.” 

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Primary Industries and Member for Gympie, Tony Perrett MP:

“This section of the Bruce is well known as a hotspot for serious incidents.

“Any effort to improve safety and reduce risk along this stretch is a step in the right direction, and one the region strongly welcomes.

“This latest announcement builds on our commitment to delivering the safer roads Queenslanders deserve.

“Our region should take comfort in how quickly the Crisafulli Government is demonstrating decisive leadership to improve safety along one of the most dangerous stretches of road between Curra and Bauple.”