A key stretch of the Bruce Highway between Benaraby and Rockhampton has undergone a significant overhaul, making it safer, and improving traffic flow for motorists.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the project is another example of Federal Member for Flynn Ken O'Dowd's determination to deliver for people of Central Queensland, to make sure the infrastructure they need and deserve is funded and delivered.
"This is the Federal Liberal-Nationals Government's record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan in action, helping connect communities and improve safety, while creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"The Federal Government is investing over $10 billion in a safer, smoother and more reliable Bruce Highway. This will benefit Queenslanders, from Brisbane to Cairns, on this key north-south route."
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it was exciting to see the Palaszczuk Government delivering better roads for Central Queensland.
"Works included wide centre line treatment, barrier installation, protected right-hand and left-hand turns and property access upgrades," Mr Bailey said.
"This will improve traffic flow by separating turning traffic from through lanes and separate opposing vehicles with a wide centre line.
"These completed works span across 11 kilometres from Fire Creek at Raglan to Twelve Mile Creek, south of Rockhampton.
"Road safety is a priority of the Palaszczuk Government, that's why we committed almost $1.7 billion in this year's state budget to prioritise safety upgrades, improve driver education, make school zones safer and develop policies to reduce road crashes and trauma.
"This year, we're also rolling out cameras to target drivers using their phones and not wearing their seatbelts, putting Queensland at the forefront with the most comprehensive camera program in the country."
Federal Member for Flynn Ken O'Dowd said the Bruce Highway, from Benaraby to Rockhampton, not only assists local communities but also acts as the main route for industry that services the broader Central Queensland region.
"This project has delivered targeted safety and productivity-boosting improvements to this key section, marking another step forward in supporting future growth and prosperity in the region," Mr O'Dowd said.
"The Federal Government is committed to ensuring connectivity and efficiency with a strong focus on safety across the national road network."
State Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said more than 70 direct jobs were supported over the life of the project.
''We're committed to keeping Queensland moving and investing in the community as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic," Mr Butcher said.
"This project is supported by the record $27.5 billion in roads and transport projects being delivered by the Palaszczuk Government over the next four years, which is creating 24, 000 jobs, and driving Queensland's economic recovery from Covid-19."
State Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke said adding wide centre lines between Benaraby and Rockhampton would make it safer for all road users.
"Wide centre lines were introduced in Queensland in 2010 and data indicates a 50 per cent reduction in head-on casualty collisions on the Bruce Highway where the safety treatment has already been implemented," Mr O'Rourke said.
"The Palaszczuk Government isn't stopping there when it comes to road safety, right now we're rolling out mobile and fixed cameras to catch drivers illegally using their mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts, anywhere and any time.
"And from next month Queensland will also have tougher penalties for drink drivers, with first-time offenders who are convicted of drink driving and have their licence disqualified required to complete a new education program before they can get their licence back."
