Bruce Highway safety upgrades to start at Isis Central

The works are funded under the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, with $12.84 million allocated.

Safety improvement works valued at an estimated $12.84 million are set to start on the Bruce Highway at Isis Central and Booyal, as part of the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.

The significant projects, between North South Road and Ringwood Road, include a right-turn lane into Adies Road, a wide centre line treatment and two new heavy vehicle rest areas.

The heavy vehicle rest areas are funded as part of a $6.08 million allocation by the Australian Government to upgrade rest areas along the Bruce Highway between Gympie and Benaraby.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said these crucial projects would improve road safety along the Bruce Highway.

“A right-turn lane at the Adies Road intersection is something residents have called for and we’re pleased to be able to deliver this important safety measure,” Mr Pitt said.

“The new right-turn lane will separate through and turning traffic, reducing the potential for rear-end crashes.

“The road will also be widened and a one-metre wide centre line will be installed, to increase the distance between motorists travelling in opposite directions and reduce the risk of head-on crashes.

“The Australian Government is investing over $10 billion in a safer, smoother and more reliable Bruce Highway.

“This is benefitting Queenslanders from Brisbane to Cairns on this key north-south route, including here in Hinkler.

“The Bruce Highway Upgrade Program will allow motorists and freight to enjoy a safer, smoother and more efficient journey along the Bruce Highway.”

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said two new formal rest areas would also be built to provide northbound and southbound heavy vehicle operators an opportunity to stop and rest.

“We know that the fatal five contribute to majority of road fatalities in Queensland, one of those being fatigue,” Minister Bailey said.

“These two new locations will join more than 450 rest stop locations across the state that help drivers manage their fatigue and avoid driving while tired.

Construction is expected to take about 10 months to complete, weather permitting.

The Bruce Highway is Queensland’s major north-south freight and commuter corridor, connecting coastal population centres from Brisbane to Cairns over a length of 1,677 kilometres.

The Bruce Highway Upgrade Program is the largest road infrastructure program Queensland has ever seen. It is aimed at improving safety, flood resilience, and capacity along the length and breadth of the highway between Brisbane and Cairns.

Starting on 1 July 2013, the program was initially developed as an $8.5 billion 10-year commitment jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments. In May 2018, the Australian Government committed an additional $3.3 billion (based on 80:20 funding arrangements) to its existing $6.7 billion commitment.

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