Works start today to improve safety along a three-kilometre section of the Bruce Highway at Gootchie, including upgrades to three intersections.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the project will widen the Bruce Highway, provide two-metre shoulders and wide centre line treatments, from Gutchy Creek to north of the Sheehan's Road intersection.
"We're also delivering dedicated, right and left-turn lanes at the Deveron Road, Molteno Road and Sheehans Road intersections to improve safety by separating through and turning traffic," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"Other roadside treatments include guardrails, flattened batters and clearing. Together, these treatments will provide a more forgiving roadside for drivers and safer distancing from oncoming traffic."
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to delivering important safety upgrades like this, as part of the record $27.5 billion roads and transport plan.
"The Bruce Highway is a key connector up the coast of Queensland, especially for regional communities and industries," Mr Bailey said.
"This project will deliver a safer section of highway for all those who use it and complements other projects already underway in the region."
Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O'Brien said this project was funded under the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program's Blackspots, Rest Areas and Safety Upgrades Package, the state's largest road infrastructure program improving safety, flood resilience, and capacity between Brisbane and Cairns.
"Improving road safety is a top priority for me, and a safer Bruce Highway will save lives and grow Wide Bay's economy and local jobs," Mr O'Brien said.
"These upgrades, fully funded by the Australian Government, will improve safety for people at Gootchie and motorists travelling between Glenwood and Bauple.
"They form part of the Australian Government's commitment to building a better Bruce Highway through Wide Bay. This includes the $1 billion Gympie bypass, the $335.8 million four-lane Tiaro bypass, and the $103 million Maryborough to Torbanlea upgrade, all of which are 80 per cent funded by the Australian Government.
"The Australian Government is also fully funding the $20.1 million Tinana overtaking lanes project."
Queensland Assistant Regional Roads Minister Bruce Saunders said Wide Bay locals were reaping the benefit of the investments in the Bruce Highway.
"We're seeing an infrastructure boom in the Wide Bay, with more than $1.5 billion to be delivered in our region over the next four years," Mr Saunders said.
"That includes major projects like the $1 billion Gympie Bypass, that is supporting quality job and training opportunities through construction.
"And further north, we have just called for tenders on the $30 million Torbanlea-Pialba Road flood immunity project.
"We're experiencing record growth and a record investment in infrastructure - something I am proud to deliver to my community."
Works will typically be undertaken Monday to Saturday between 6am and 6pm, however there may be some periods when nightworks are required from Sunday to Thursday between 7pm and 5am.
