A concept design for the Tiaro Bypass has now been completed, which shows how a new four-lane section of the Bruce Highway east of Tiaro, in Queensland, could look.
The proposed project includes works to deliver nine kilometres of a new four-lane highway east of Tiaro with a concrete centre median separating opposing traffic lanes, as well as two grade separated interchanges providing easy connectivity to Tiaro for residents and visitors.
The project will aim to increase the flood immunity, safety and efficiency of the Bruce Highway and future-proof the road to cater for growing traffic volumes.
Flood related highway closures at Tiaro lead to disruption of freight and passenger traffic, with no diversion route. The bypass will aim to create an alternate route to ensure that the Tiaro township is not isolated during significant flood events.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the project is set to meet the expectations of the community.
“A big part of delivering major infrastructure like this is ensuring our plans meet the expectations and needs of the community,” he said. “That’s why consulting with local stakeholders, like the Tiaro Community Working Group, has been such an important part of the planning process.”
Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the four-lane Tiaro Bypass that the community fought for will be a much-needed investment in road safety and will help open up the Fraser Coast economy.
“Our joint investment in Tiaro will support an estimated 490 direct jobs over the life of the project, and when completed the new section of highway will support agriculture, heavy industry and manufacturing by enabling the safe and efficient transportation of produce and goods from our region,” O’Brien said.
A business case report detailing the project scope, cost and expected timeframes will now be undertaken, before the project enters a detailed design phase.
The $336 million Tiaro Bypass project is jointly funded by the Federal ($269 million) and Queensland ($67 million) governments on an 80:20 basis.
For more information on the project, click here.
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