Easing Bruce Highway Congestion

A $662.5 million Bruce Highway expansion is complete thanks to the Queensland and Australian Governments.

More than 600 workers delivered a massive 11-kilometres of expanded highway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, and now Queenslanders are experiencing the benefits.

Interchanges and exit ramps were also improved, and 10 new higher, wider and safer bridges were built to withstand a 1-in-100-year flood.

This was put to the test during heavy rainfall in February 2024, which could have closed the highway at King Johns Creek if the new structure at this location had not been built.

Queenslanders travelling on the Bruce Highway between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and Steve Irwin Way at Elimbah are now saving time on their trips and travelling even safer on the state’s longest and busiest highway.

More than 65,000 vehicles (average) travel this section of the Bruce Highway each day.

The project is the 466^th upgrade delivered on the Bruce Highway.

Sections of the upgraded 11-kilometre roadway have opened progressively to motorists since 2022.

The $662.5 million upgrade was jointly funded by Australian and Queensland Governments, to which the Australian Government committed $530 million.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Premier and Member for Murrumba Steven Miles:

“Our government said we would build a better Bruce for the people of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Queensland, and we are delivering.

“More than 600 tradies, apprentices and trainees worked hard to bring this 11-kilometre upgrade to life, which is already making a difference to the more than 65,000 drivers who drive it each day.

“It’s projects like this that are at the core of our Big Build – jobs, opportunity and legacy infrastructure for a generation.”

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

“We’re focused on getting people to their destinations safer and sooner on the Bruce Highway.

“The Australian and Queensland governments are investing in major infrastructure to improve the capacity and efficiency of our road network.

“Local commuters, heavy vehicle operators and holidaymakers alike are enjoying the benefits as we continue to roll out significant works and plan for future upgrades in South East Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish:

“The many projects we have underway in various stages, from early planning through to detailed design and construction, clearly demonstrate our commitment to investing in infrastructure for our communities.

“We’re supporting growth in our great state by delivering quality transport outcomes that improve safety, travel-time reliability and local connectivity for Queenslanders.

“We are also planning for vital upgrades to increase capacity, manage increasing traffic demands and help future-proof our road network as the region continues to expand.

“The future of the Bruce Highway is at risk under an LNP government.

“The Transport Department bore the brunt of the savage cuts to jobs and funding under Campbell Newman and his Ministers, David Crisafulli and Jarrod Bleijie.

“The LNP need to come clean to Queensland about their secret plan for cuts to legacy infrastructure like the Bruce Highway.”  

Quotes attributable to Morayfield MP Mark Ryan:

“My local area is growing fast and I understand perfectly why that is the case because it is a great place to live, bring up young families and aspire to a productive and meaningful working life within a community that is really connected.

“I speak to the people in my local area all the time and I know that improving transport infrastructure is a critical issue and the Miles Government and the Albanese Government understand that, and that is why investments like these are being made to support people as they go about their everyday lives.

“The best governments act in the interests of grassroots community concerns and that is what the Albanese Government and the Miles Government are doing.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Pumicestone Ali King:

“This announcement will be welcome news for the thousands of motorists who use the Bruce every day.

“Extra lanes on this section of the Bruce will be a game changer for locals – this will help ease congestion and provide a quicker, safer journey for commuters and travellers now and well into the future.” 

MEDIA CONTACT:

MINISTER KING – LYNDAL CURTIS 0497 847 212

MINISTER MELLISH – LESLEY MAJOR 0419 288 284