The Queensland Government has started works on the Inland Freight Route, also known as the Second Bruce, through a $107 million early works package.
The package will include priority upgrades along the critical freight route, brought forward by accelerated Queensland funding.
This lays the foundation for major works as part of the $1 billion Inland Freight Route.
The 1,185-kilometre Inland Freight Route will establish a viable north-south alternative to the Bruce Highway, forming a critical freight corridor between Mungindi and Charters Towers.
More than half of the State Government’s $200 million commitment is now on the table to accelerate early works delivery.
This is kickstarted by a $19.7 million bridge upgrade over the Dawson River, north of Injune, that will widen the existing bridge from 7.4 metres to 10.3 metres.
Works will also realign the bridge approaches to improve safety and accessibility for heavy vehicles.
This is the first of two bridge upgrades between Injune and Rolleston.
The $107 million early works package will focus on addressing constraints north of Injune, and constraints in the vicinity of Belyando, including:
two bridge upgrades between Injune and Rolleston on the Carnarvon Highway
major culvert upgrades between Roma and Injune on the Carnarvon Highway
two road strengthening and widening projects (in sections) between Clermont and Charters Towers on the Gregory Developmental Road in the vicinity of Belyando.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said building the Second Bruce is essential as Queensland population continues to boom.
“It will provide an alternative route for truckies and keep communities connected during major flood events,” she said.
“Our government wants to see this critical freight corridor built, so we’re honouring our commitment to this project and getting works started now.”
With the Bruce Highway being the “single most important highway in the country”, according to Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, bringing forward the Queensland portion of funding for the Inland Freight Route between Mundgindi and Charters Towers is vital.
“By building a better Inland Freight Route targeted at taking trucks off the Bruce, we are ensuring strong supply chains and driving economic growth for regional industries and communities,” he said.
“Not only that, upgrades will improve connectivity and safety to help keep our state moving with a viable alternative to the Bruce Highway.”
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