Bruce Highway upgrades forge ahead as 22 new contracts hit market under targeted safety program

The momentum to improve safety on the Bruce Highway continues as 22 new contracts released under the $9 billion Bruce Targeted Safety Program.
New design and construction procurement contracts span more than 100 kilometres of wide centre line treatments and 50 kilometres of pavement strengthening works between Gympie and Cairns, along with five narrow bridge upgrades located specifically in North Queensland.
These new projects will add to the eight projects already completed, 17 underway and the 13 construction projects rolling out in 2026.

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are delivering a safer, more reliable Bruce Highway, announcing the release of 22 new contracts as part of the historic $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program (BHTSP).

The package includes five construction procurement and 17 design contracts to accelerate delivery of safety works along priority stretches of highway between Gympie and Cairns and builds on early progress in the program, which is funded on an 80:20 basis between the Australian and Queensland Governments.

The program is already gaining pace, with eight projects completed, 17 underway and another 13 construction projects rolling out from early 2026.

Every dollar of program funding will be spent between Gympie and Cairns.

Dedicated designer and constructor panels have been established for the BHTSP to streamline procurement, accelerate delivery and ensure value for money. The 22 new contracts will include:

More than 100 kilometres of wide centre line treatments
50 kilometres of pavement strengthening and new overtaking lanes
Five narrow bridge upgrades in North Queensland
Road widening and audio‑tactile line marking improvements south of Miriam Vale
Resurfacing works between Maryborough and Gin Gin
Upgrades to multiple intersections and rest areas.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the latest round of contracts showed progress in making the Bruce Highway safer.

“This latest activity signals significant progress in delivering the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program,” Minister King said.

“The Australian Government is proud to be funding 80 per cent of this $9 billion program, because improving safety on the Bruce Highway will help save lives and support the communities and industries that rely on this critical route.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government was getting on with the job and delivering a plan for Queensland’s future.

“The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering safer roads for Queensland,” Minister Mickelberg said.

“We’re keeping the momentum up with 22 new contracts moving to market to boost safety along the Bruce Highway.

“We told Queenslanders we are committed to fixing the Bruce and works are already making a real difference for motorists, regional communities and freight operators between Gympie and Cairns."

Assistant Minister for Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm said record investment was being delivered for the Bruce Highway.

“The Albanese Government is delivering record investment to build a better Bruce Highway for Queenslanders,” Senator Chisholm said.

“From here in Burdekin and all the way up to Cairns, we are accelerating the delivery of intersection upgrades, rest area improvements, wide centre line treatments and pavement strengthening.

“These works will make a real difference for drivers, freight operators and regional Queenslanders, and form part of a long-term pipeline of upgrades that will squarely benefit the people who live here.”

Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Senator Nita Green said regional Queenslanders understood how critical the Bruce Highway was.

“Regional Queenslanders know just how critical the Bruce Highway is for connecting our communities, supporting our industries and getting people home – these upgrades will help ensure safety,” Senator Green said.

“The Albanese Labor Government is connecting and protecting the Queenslanders who drive the Bruce every day.”

State Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the 80:20 investment was delivering infrastructure for regional Queensland.

“With every dollar in this program invested outside the South East Corner, we are building the infrastructure regional Queensland needs to support our growing population,” Mr Last said.

We said we would deliver an upgraded Bruce Highway in an 80:20 split with the Commonwealth, and we are getting on with delivering it.”

State Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the funding would make the Bruce safer for locals and visitors.

“These upgrades represent a major boost for North Queensland,” Mr Chiesa said.

“Strengthening the Bruce Highway means safer trips for locals and visitors alike, and it’s great to see real investment backing the growth of our region and helping keep people safe.”

Contractors will be appointed progressively from April 2026, with construction to follow.

Further details are available at https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/business-with-us/tenders-and-contracts/tenders.

For more information about the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/brucehighway.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Minister King: Kallista Kaval, 0474 048 152

Minister Mickelberg: Beth Colvin, 0484 620 899