Milestones reached for bigger, better Bruce

Published Wednesday, 13 July, 2022 at 12:55 PM

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Vision of bridge demolition at Lagoon Creek. 

Vision of bridge construction (May 2022).

Images of northbound traffic switch. 

Drivers heading south on the Bruce Highway will be realigned on to a new, wider road between Six Mile Creek and Pumicestone Road in the next week.

Another milestone is soon to follow, with the opening of the realigned Steve Irwin Way southbound entry ramp to the Bruce Highway to take place shortly.

Once the project is complete, the new ramp will flow directly to an additional third lane of the highway, greatly improving safety and traffic flow. 

These two milestones follow the switch of northbound Bruce Highway traffic onto the new southbound carriageway between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and Pumicestone Road, which took place last Friday (7 July 2022).

The temporary diversion will be in place until early 2023 and allows for works to begin on building three northbound lanes and two bridges.

The $662.5 million Bruce Highway Upgrade – Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163) is jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $530 million and the Queensland Government committing $132.5 million.

This project will widen the 11km stretch of the Bruce Highway from four to six lanes between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163). 

It is expected to be completed in late 2023, weather and construction conditions permitting, and will support an average of 664 direct jobs over its life.

For more information, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/C2SIW.

For up-to-date information on road works and conditions, visit www.qld.traffic.qld.gov.au, call 13 19

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

“The Australian Government understands the importance of the Bruce Highway as Queensland’s transport artery.

“Our investment here will transform what has been one of the most flood-prone and congested sections of the highway into a wider, safer and more flood resilient carriageway.

“This project and others like it are coming to life at a crucial time, when Queensland is experiencing rapid population growth.

“This project is part of our long-term partnership to upgrade the Bruce Highway, improving safety, flood resilience and capacity along the highway between Brisbane and Cairns.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

“These works are the result of our strong $29.7 billion infrastructure investment pipeline.

“The Palaszczuk Government is pushing on with the delivery of major infrastructure projects that will widen the Bruce Highway and get Queenslander’s home sooner and safer.

“Widening this stretch between Caboolture and Beerburrum plays a key role in keeping traffic on Queensland’s longest and busiest highway flowing.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan:

“The Bruce Highway is a key piece of infrastructure that connects not only our northern Brisbane communities, but all of the state.

“We’re reaching milestone after milestone on this major project and that can only mean one thing – better connectivity for my community.

“Over 660 jobs are supported by this project, which is helping to strengthen our economy at a time when it’s most needed.

“This budget we committed to delivering good jobs and better services to the people of Queensland and we’re seeing that come to fruition right here, right now.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Pumicestone Ali King:

"In good news for locals, we’ll see cars driving over new sections of the highway very soon, making it an easier, safer drive home.

“Better yet, a key focus of the upgrade is the improved flood immunity so we’ll see with a total of 10 new bridges built as part of the project.

“Some of the original bridges at these locations were underwater during the unpresented and ongoing rainfall we experienced earlier this year, and thanks to our investment we’ll have bigger, stronger and higher bridges in their places.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Kurwongbah Shane King:

"Better, stronger and more resilient roads mean people right around the northside can get home sooner and spend more time with loved ones enjoying the great Queensland lifestyle.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting:

“This project is just another example of the Palaszczuk Government delivering big for the communities that need it, right around the state.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Courtney Thompson - 0433 585 570