A busy stretch of the Bruce Highway will receive a high-tech boost, with design complete for the installation of additional Smart Motorways technology between the Pine River and Caloundra Road.
The Smart Motorways project is part of the 15-year, $13 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.
The technology includes ramp signals, variable speed limit and message signs, vehicle detection systems and CCTV cameras to proactively monitor and respond to changing road conditions such as crashes, wet weather or heavy traffic conditions in real time.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the investment was part of the Australian Government’s commitment to improving the safety and performance of our national highways.
“The Australian Government is allocating $84 million towards the installation of Smart Motorways technology along the Bruce Highway between the Pine River and Caloundra Road,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Thanks to this investment, motorists can expect to see improvements in safety, efficiency and reliability along this section of the highway.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said completion of detailed design marked a significant milestone.
“This project provides a smart, technology-driven solution to proactively manage traffic on our highways,” Mr Bailey said.
“These integrated Smart Motorways technologies will work together to improve safety, reduce stop-start travel and provide more accurate travel times for motorists.”
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said the project would create more jobs for locals and deliver an economic boost to the area.
“Stage two will also link to several other Bruce Highway projects, which all incorporate Smart Motorways technology, including the $163 million Deception Bay Road Interchange upgrade, the $662.5 million six-lane project between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163), and the $932 million upgrade between Caloundra Road and the Sunshine Motorway,” Mr Wallace said.
“This upgrade is also keeping more people in work on the Sunshine Coast, by supporting an average of 140 jobs over its life.”
State Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said wireless traffic sensors would be installed at priority locations along the 60-kilometre stretch to monitor vehicle travel times, traffic flow and speed.
“During detailed design, we undertook some preliminary activities including minor earthworks and electrical to prepare for installing these sensors,” Mr Hunt said.
“Once installed, these additional sensors will provide the coverage and resolution necessary to accurately monitor the highway’s performance.
“Across the state the Queensland Government is delivering a $27.5 billion roads and transport plan over the next four years which is creating 24,000 jobs and driving Queensland economic recovery from COVID-19.”
Major works are expected to begin early next year, weather and construction conditions permitting.
The $105 million Bruce Highway – Managed Motorways Stage 2 – (Pine River to Caloundra Road) project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, with the Australian Government contributing $84 million and the Queensland Government providing $21 million.
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