The Australian Government has announced a significant investment in road safety along the Bruce Highway, allocating more than $500 million for 22 new safety upgrades. This initiative is part of a broader $9 billion commitment aimed at enhancing safety on one of Queensland’s most vital transport routes, which stretches from Gympie to Cairns.
These upgrades will focus on high-risk sections of the highway, implementing measures designed to prevent run-off-road and head-on collisions. The announcement builds on the earlier success of the first round of safety projects, which included 16 priority projects revealed in March 2023. Of these, six have already been completed, eight are currently under construction, and the remaining two are set to commence this month.
Continued Commitment to Road Safety
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, emphasized the government’s strong commitment to improving road safety. “The Albanese Government has made the biggest ever investment in the Bruce Highway because we want to ensure it is safer for all Queenslanders,” she stated. King highlighted the progress made in delivering the $300 million early works package and noted that the upcoming projects represent an important step toward enhancing network reliability and reducing closures caused by crashes.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, echoed these sentiments, stating that the safety upgrades are crucial for the economy and well-being of the region. “We are delivering a major boost to safety along the Bruce with rubber hitting the road on another 22 projects,” he remarked. Mickelberg pointed out that these critical upgrades are essential for the transport infrastructure servicing the state.
Future Developments and Community Impact
The Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program is not a one-off initiative. The government plans to announce additional rounds of projects as part of the ongoing $9 billion investment. As work progresses, the community can expect to see immediate improvements in road safety, which in turn will enhance the overall reliability of the highway.
The emphasis on safety upgrades along this major transport artery is expected to yield substantial benefits, not only in reducing accidents but also in fostering greater economic stability and connectivity for Queenslanders. With construction already underway, the communities along the Bruce Highway are poised to experience the positive impacts of these enhancements in the months ahead.
