Bruce Highway upgrade complete north of Mackay

Work is complete for more than $39 million worth of safety upgrades along the Bruce Highway between The Leap and Careys Creek.

The jointly funded projects were delivered as part of the 15-year Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, a $13 billion program of works to improve safety, flood resilience and capacity from Brisbane to Cairns.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the Australian Government is continuing to make Queensland roads safer and more efficient for motorists.

“The project installed a wide centre line treatment to reduce the risk of head-on collisions, fitted roadside barriers and upgraded nine intersections along this stretch,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“This work has greatly improved driver safety, freight efficiency and heavy vehicle management on a key transport route along our national highway.”

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said protected turn lanes and improved lighting were installed at the highway intersections with:

• Maraju-Yakapari Road / Yakapari-Seaforth Road
• Tweedies Road
• Gumellis Road
• Pyms Road
• McGills Road
• Watts Road
• Geeburga-Buthurra Road, and
• Buthurra Station Road.

"We've also installed town entry treatments at Farleigh, The Leap and Kuttabul to remind drivers to slow down when they enter these communities," Mr Bailey said.

"Six more projects are currently underway in the Mackay-Whitsunday district, as part of the multi-billion dollar Bruce Highway Upgrade program.

"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to delivering these key upgrades on the Bruce Highway as Queensland’s busiest highway and a vital connector for communities across the state.”

Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said the Australian Government is committed to addressing safety concerns along the highway, improving journeys for all on Queensland’s main north-south commuter, tourist and freight route.

“I am thrilled to see another set of works completed along the Bruce Highway, improving safety and access for locals, freight and visitors in time for the holiday season and travel,” Mr Christensen said.

“We are continuing to roll out projects like this right across Queensland under our $110 billion nationwide infrastructure investment pipeline, which is supporting jobs and economic stimulus while getting people home sooner and safer.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the investment in the region contributed to Queensland’s strong economic recovery.

“Our investment in the Bruce is key to North Queensland’s continued economic development, providing more employment opportunities and a safer national highway as part of the Palaszczuk Government's COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan,” Ms Gilbert said.

“I’m proud to see this upgrade complete to the benefit of locals and tourists alike.”

Both governments contributed $36.96 million to the Hampden to Kuttabul, rehabilitate and widen project on an 80:20 split.

The Australian Government contributed a further $1.1 million through the Black Spots, Rest Areas and Safety Upgrades program and an additional $1.07 million for extending the northbound Palm Tree Creek overtaking lane through the Bruce Highway – Overtaking Lanes Package

For more information on Bruce Highway upgrades across Mackay and the Whitsundays, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/districts/mackay-whitsunday.

For up-to-date information on road works and conditions across the state, visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au, call 13 19 40 or download the QLDTraffic app.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Courtney Thompson – 0433 585 570