The Australian and Queensland Governments have locked in a $30.4 million, jointly-funded agreement to upgrade Bribie Island Road.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the agreement removed a hurdle to allow works to get under way as soon as possible, supporting local jobs.
"Moving forward with priority projects is important now more than ever to support local jobs, bolster our economy and provide the safe and efficient transport connections needed for all Australians to get moving again," Mr McCormack said.
"This package of works will provide a safer, smoother journey along the region's main connection to the Bruce Highway while creating much-needed local jobs, which is fantastic news for the community and the local economy."
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the package of works would deliver targeted upgrades to tackle local congestion and make the busy route safer for local families and businesses, adding to other projects already completed like the $3.7 million Peel Road intersection upgrade at Ningi.
"We'll see the first shovels hit the ground in July to upgrade the Bribie Island and Old Toorbul Point roads intersection, installing new traffic signals, four through-lanes on Bribie Island Road, plus left and right-turn lanes for traffic turning into or out of Old Toorbul Point Road," Mr Bailey said.
"That'll be followed by duplicating the stretch of road up to the existing four-lane section east of Saint Road, and other road safety improvements between Hickey and Old Toorbul Point roads.
"Investing in Queensland roads means creating Queensland jobs.
"This agreement adds to the $3.13 billion, 3,000-job roads and transport program being delivered in the region by the Queensland Government, like the soon to get under way $662 million Bruce Highway upgrade between Caboolture and Steve Irwin Way."
Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said the project complements the Australian Government's $10 billion investment in the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, Queensland's largest road infrastructure program that is improving safety, flood resilience and capacity along the heavily used route.
"This includes $1.42 billion to upgrade the Pine River to Caloundra corridor, which intersects with Bribie Island Road and is the main road to Brisbane, as well as the $660 million upgrade between Bribie Island Road and Steve Irwin Way," Mr Young said.
"This is all part of the Australian Government's ongoing commitment to improve our road networks to get Australians home and spending time with their loved ones sooner and safer - no matter where they live.
"We have many people living and working in the electorate of Longman who use these roads every day, so it's important that they feel safe while navigating to and from work or home."
The Australian Government has committed $20 million towards the Bribie Island Road Upgrade, with the remaining $10.4 million provided by the Queensland Government.
