Work has begun on the $22.1 million Bruce Highway safety upgrade between Townsville and Ingham, with construction now underway at Bluewater – 30 kilometres north of Townsville.
Works will include a new $6.1 million southbound overtaking lane between Two Mile Creek and Sleeper Log Creek, which is fully funded under the Federal Government’s Bruce Highway Overtaking Lanes Package.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack said the safety works were part of the government’s commitment to improve safety and efficiency, for all road users along the entire length of the Bruce Highway.
“Creating safer overtaking opportunities is part of the government’s strategy to save lives and reduce road trauma on the Bruce Highway,” Mr. McCormack said.
A further $16 million of safety works will be funded under the Bruce Highway Safety Package, including road widening, installation of wide centre line treatments and safety improvements at Bluewater Station Road, Forestry Road and Toolakea Beach Road intersections.
“These safety works, which are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 basis, will deliver vital visibility improvements and better access for communities,” Mr. McCormack said.
“The federal government is committed to working with state governments to reduce head-on collisions on our roads through targeted investments such as these.”
Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey said in addition to driving safety between Townsville and Bluewater, the project will support more than 60 jobs during construction.
“The Bruce Highway is one of Queensland’s most important transport corridors, which is why we’re delivering a $12.6 billion program together with the federal government to increase capacity and improve safety,” Mr. Bailey said.
“This is a win for local industry and the thousands of motorists who use this stretch every day, as well as a boost for the region’s economy with support for valuable construction jobs.”
Works are scheduled for completion in late 2020.
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