Safety works at Glenorchy driving a safer Bruce Highway

SAFER driving conditions and travel times being cut are the priority for new works underway this week on the $5.2 million Glenorchy Straight upgrade on the Bruce Highway as part of the broader pavement widening project between Caboolture and St Lawrence.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the upgrade will help reduce the danger of head-on crashes by providing increased separation between on-coming vehicles.

The successful tenderer for the Glenorchy Straight upgrade is BMD Constructions.

“A better, safer and more reliable Bruce Highway is a must and the Australian Government is getting on with the job through our unprecedented $6.7 billion investment and works program to make it a reality.”

“The Australian Government is contributing over $215 million for pavement widening along the Bruce Highway – over $86 million on the Caboolture to St Lawrence Pavement Widening project, which is creating local jobs,” Mr Truss said.

Member for Maryborough, Bruce Saunders, representing Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey at the sod-turning event, said the road pavement would be widened to 11 metres to allow for a wide centre median, along with intersection upgrades at Old Gympie Road and 7 Mile Road, south of Maryborough.

“Audible, tactile line markings will be installed along the one metre-wide painted median to alert drivers if they veer too close to the centre of the road. Protected right-turning lanes will be installed on Old Gympie Road and Seven Mile Road to enhance safety for motorists.”

“As an added bonus, these works will provide 16 direct jobs for workers at a time when jobs and job security are more important than ever.”  

The Australian Government is providing $4.1 million towards the Glenorchy Straight works, with the Queensland Government contributing $1.1 million.

Overall, the Australian Government’s Infrastructure Investment Programme has committed a record $13.4 billion to build and improve Queensland’s infrastructure, including $6.7 billion for projects on the Bruce Highway.

Further information on Bruce Highway upgrades can be found at http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/.

Media Contacts

For Mr Truss:                                   Brett Heffernan                  0467 650 020

For Mr Bailey:                                  Minister’s Office                 0438 768 734