Construction has kicked off today on a major upgrade for the Bruce Highway, just south of Wallaville.
The $28.89 million upgrade will provide new overtaking lanes and safety treatments, and is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.
The package of works will see a new northbound and southbound overtaking lane installed between Mixhills Road and Walla Island Road, as well as a new southbound overtaking lane between Clarke Innes Road and Mittlehausers Road. Safety upgrades at several intersections will also be delivered during the works.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the upgrades would make the section of highway safer for all road users.
"The new overtaking lanes will reduce risk by giving drivers the opportunity to safely overtake slow-moving vehicles, particularly in times of peak traffic," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"The Australian 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 the Bruce Highway was Queensland's economic artery.
"The Queensland Government has committed $883 million for infrastructure in the Wide Bay region, to support around 3,200 jobs," Mr Bailey said.
"South of Wallaville, we'll also be installing wide centre line treatment to provide greater separation between vehicles and reduce the risk of head on collisions.
"A temporary side track will be installed during some phases of construction to reduce the impact to drivers.
"Upgrades along this key connector help us keep traffic flowing and the state moving."
Queensland Assistant Regional Roads Minister Bruce Saunders said to the south planning was underway for a new four-lane section of the Bruce Highway, east of Tiaro.
"We are committed to improving the flood immunity, safety and capacity of the Bruce Highway," Mr Saunders said.
"With this region undergoing a population and economic boom, we are future-proofing the regions to cater for growing traffic volumes.
"The benefits of these upgrades will be felt by locals, businesses and tourists alike."
Federal Member for Flynn Ken O'Dowd said as part of the project, the Martins Road intersection would be upgraded to move it north to align with the existing Bruce Highway and Clarke Innes Road intersection.
"Dedicated right-turn lanes will also be implemented at the Bruce Highway intersections with Inskips Road and McLennan Road," Mr O'Dowd said.
"We recognise the importance of safe roads to regional communities, and this remains a key focus for the Australian Government."
Construction south of Wallaville will take place between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, with reduced speed limits in place throughout.
The combined $28.89 million projects form part of the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program and are jointly funded, with the Australian Government contributing $27.65 million and the Queensland Government contributing $1.24 million.
