The Bruce Highway is getting a $500 million safety upgrade with 22 projects earmarked up and down the Queensland coast.
The projects are part of a new round of projects that are being funded by a $9 billion spend on the highway to prevent road run-offs and collisions in high-risk areas between Gympie and Cairns.
Of the projects, 19 will strengthen a 93-kilometre section of the highway, boost skid resistance and improve vehicle stability.
The other three projects will create 13km of wide centre line treatment with road widening and audio tactile line marking to create more distance between opposing traffic and reduce the risk of head-on collisions by up to 60% on busy rural roads.
In March, a $300m early works program identified 16 priority projects for the highway; six are now complete, eight are under construction and work is to start on the remaining two this month.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King says “significant progress” has been made with the early works projects.
“This work is also an important step towards reducing closures due to crashes and improving network reliability along the Bruce,” she says.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg says Queenslanders are starting to see the benefits of the work.
The following regions will have road safety work done on the Bruce Highway.
NORTH QUEENSLAND
Four new projects: Pavement strengthening in four sections of the highway from Bowen to Ayr, in six sections from Ayr to Townsville, in five sections from Townsville to Ingham, and wide centre line and road widening from Mackenzie Creek to Tindall Court.
MP for Burdekin and state minister Dale Last says the upgrades will benefit everyone, from families to freight operators.
“These upgrades will save lives, reduce delays, and improve safety for every driver on the Bruce,” Mr Last said.
MP for Townsville Adam Bailie says the highway is the backbone of Queensland.
”For North Queensland, the Bruce is the lifeline that links our communities, industries, and supply chains.
“Our port, our defence bases, our agricultural producers, our manufacturers and our local small businesses all rely on trucks moving smoothly up and down this highway,” he explains.
MP for Mundingburra Janelle Poole says the upgrades have been “long-awaited” while MP for Thuringowa Natalie Marr says the 80-20 funding deal with the federal government is delivering results.
The MP-elect for Hinchinbrook (Ingham) Wayde Chiesa says the work is a win for locals.
“The people of Hinchinbrook deserve safe and reliable roads, this investment is delivering that and will make a real difference for the locals who use the Bruce every day,” Mr Chiesa said.
FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND
Two local projects: pavement strengthening from Ingham to Innisfail (five sections) and Innisfail to Cairns (four sections).
MP for Barron River Bree James says travel will be made safer for locals and visitors, and was happy to see money being spent on the highway as was fellow MP Terry James (Mulgrave).
“I only drove that section of the road (recently), partly in pouring rain. These important safety upgrades will help to save lives and make travelling the Bruce much safer for everyone,” James says.
MP for Cook David Kempton says the work will bolster tourism and freight traffic.
MACKAY-WHITSUNDAY
Seven projects at: Spider Creek, northern and southern entry to Sarina, southern entry to Mackay, south of Glendaragh Road, Marian Hampden Rd to Hudsons Rd, Greta Creek to Emu Creek and south of Goodbye Creek.
MP for Whitsundays Amanda Camm says the Bruce is “our lifeline across central and northern Queensland” in connecting towns.
WIDE BAY-BURNETT
Three projects: pavement strengthening in two sections from Curra to Davey Road and from Howard Turnoff to south of Doghole Creek, and wide centre line and road widening from Central Road to Mary River.
MP for Burnett Stephen Bennett says “we know this stretch of highway can be unforgiving so safety upgrades will help reduce road trauma in our region”.
MP for Maryborough John Barounis says “reducing collisions and improving road conditions means more peace of mind for families and freight operators”.
MP for Hervey Bay David Lee says it is great to see the work being done.
“These works mean safer trips for families heading to school, tourists exploring our region and freight operators keeping goods moving.
“It’s about making the Bruce Highway work better for everyone who relies on it every single day,” he says.
EARLIER HIGHWAY NEWS: Canberra to stump up extra cash for the Bruce
