Next Highway Milestone in Time for Christmas

The Bruce Highway upgrade between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163), Elimbah is making strides towards completion.

Three lanes on the northbound section are now operational, offering a smoother traffic flow just in time for the upcoming holiday rush.

The third lane of the southbound carriageway will open in early 2024.

The upgrade is expected to be completed in early 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting. Minor works on lanes in both directions will be needed in the new year.

The $662.5 million project is funded with $530 million from the Australian Government and $132.5 million from the Queensland Government.

The raised speed limit of 110 km/h on the upgraded 11-kilometre section is expected to streamline travel and improve commuters’ trips.

This investment is estimated to support an average of 664 direct jobs over the life of the project.

For further information visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/C2SIW  

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

“The Australian Government’s investment is making a real difference to the safety, flood resilience and capacity of vital Bruce Highway infrastructure.

“This project is part of the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, which will transform travel between Brisbane and Cairns.”

Quotes attributable to the Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:

“An extra lane up to the southern end of the Steve Irwin Way means less congestion and quicker travel times for people travelling to the beautiful Sunshine Coast.

“Queensland is attracting more interstate migrants than any other state or territory and we need to build infrastructure like this to support that growth.

“That’s why the Miles Government is spending $96.2 billion on infrastructure over the next four years and why we are committed to the 15-year Bruce Highway Upgrade.

“It’s these vital infrastructure projects that reduce barriers for businesses, increase tourism, keep our workers healthy, alleviate stress for holidaying families and commuters, and overall increase the State’s productivity.”

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

“With recent wet weather, crews had to work hard to get the third northbound lane open before Christmas. 

“It’s a great outcome for motorists, with increased capacity and upgraded flood immunity in time for what is traditionally a very busy time on the roads.

“We need to continue to build and upgrade roads and infrastructure for our growing state; the Miles Government is committed to delivering vital projects like this for Queenslanders.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development
and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm:

“Today’s announcement will be welcome news for the thousands of motorists who use this section of the Bruce Highway every day.”

“As more people choose to call this wonderful area home, that means more cars on our roads. The Albanese Government is committed to delivering the infrastructure upgrades that Queensland needs to improve travel times and protect lives.

“Widening this section of the Bruce will keep traffic flowing on Queensland’s longest and busiest highway.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan:

“The holiday season is a time for seeing family, and with it comes a major spike in traffic on the highway.

“The opening of these northbound lanes will not only help to ease congestion, but also the stress on travellers now, and going into the future."

Quotes attributable to Member for Pumicestone Ali King:

“I’m very pleased to see a major milestone hit on this congestion-busting project, just in time for Christmas.

“The upgrades include vital flood resilience works, including replacing 10 low-lying, flood-prone bridges for northbound and southbound lanes at five creek crossings to withstand a 1-in-100-year flood event.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt:

“Extra lanes on the Bruce Highway are a real game changer for Caloundra, especially when you add in the new Bells Creek Arterial Road.

“Between the Bruce Highway Upgrade and Bells Creek Arterial Road, more people can get to Caloundra this summer faster.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:

MINISTER KING – LYNDAL CURTIS 0497 847 212

MINISTER MELLISH – LESLEY MAJOR 0419 288 284

ASSISTANT MINISTER CHISHOLM – JAMES LAIDLER 0458 729 475