The $103 million Saltwater Creek upgrade project in Queensland is now complete, one year ahead of schedule.
The project aimed to increase the flood resiliency of an 11 kilometre section of the Bruce Highway between Maryborough and Torbanlea.
As part of the works, a new high-level bridge has been constructed at Deadmans Gully, to replace the existing crossing. A total of four flood ways north of Saltwater Creek have also been upgraded, which aim to reduce the impacts for motorists associated with flood-related highway closures between Maryborough and Torbanlea.
The upgrade forms part of the wider Bruce Highway Upgrade Program to improve the safety and reliability of the connection. The program is the largest road infrastructure program in Queensland and will deliver $13 billion of works over a 15 year period.
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Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the upgrade will reduce impacts from associated social, economic and safety risks.
“This new section has been built to a standard that means there is a one per cent chance of the highway being closed due to flooding in any given year,” King said.
Quotes attributable to Queensland Assistant Minister for Regional Roads and Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders thanked motorists for their patience during construction.
“This upgrade is one of 55 that are currently underway on the Bruce Highway alone showing just how mammoth our commitment to a better Bruce really is,” Saunders said.
The $103 million project is jointly funded as part of the Bruce Highway Upgrade program, with the Federal Government committing $82.41 million and the Queensland State Government contributing $20.59 million.