The Australian Government has announced that it will be providing an additional $7.2 billion to upgrade and fix the Bruce Highway in Queensland, bringing it up to a minimum three-star safety rating.
This historic funding is the single largest investment ever into the Bruce Highway and brings the Australian Government’s total outlay for the 1,673-kilometre road to more than $17 billion.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has estimated that $9 billion will achieve a minimum of three out of five-star safety rating for the entirety of the Bruce.
In recognition of the Bruce Highway’s national importance, unique challenges and dire safety record, the Australian Government is committing to funding 80 per cent of that $9 billion.
“I’ve driven the Bruce Highway many times, and I know the critical role it plays for Queenslanders, tourists and freight,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“Queensland deserves a long-term plan, and that is what my Government is delivering.
“We’re getting on with building a better future for all Australians.”
A new safety package will fast-track critical projects along the whole corridor of the Bruce Highway and will initially focus on priority sections north of Gympie that have been identified by stakeholders due to their higher than average crash rates.
Priority sections include Maryborough to Benaraby, Rockhampton to Saint Lawrence, Bowen to Townsville and Ingham to Innisfail.
Projects within the package may include installing safety barriers, wide centre lines and audio tactile line marking; constructing wider shoulders; increasing run off areas, overtaking lanes and rest areas; and improving intersections, signage and sight lines.
There will also be a focus on resealing and rehabilitating road surfaces for resilience to mitigate damage from increasing weather events.
“Almost half the Bruce has a two-star safety rating and that’s not good enough,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.
“This historic investment answers the call of Queenslanders to bring the Bruce up to a three-star safety rating so Australians stop losing their loved ones on this road.
“We are providing a significant and long-term commitment to fixing the Bruce, and I call on the Queensland Government to partner with us to get this done.”
The identification and prioritisation of projects funded under the package will be informed in consultation with the Queensland Government and the Bruce Highway Advisory Council, with works commencing this year.
In other news, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has released its new Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan.
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