The public is invited to register their interest ahead of a Community Open Day to celebrate the Bruce Highway Upgrade – Cooroy to Curra, Section D (Gympie Bypass) project.
The Community Open Day is planned for Saturday, 17 August 2024.
The family-friendly event will be held on the site of the new Gympie Bypass at the Flood Road interchange.
With the completion of the Gympie Bypass set for later this year, the open day will give the community a unique opportunity to walk on the new highway before it is open to traffic, while enjoying informative displays, entertainment, food and beverages.
This registration of interest will help in planning for this event, including ensuring the right amount of parking, food and beverage options and entertainment.
Don't worry if you miss out on registering, you will not be turned away from the event in August, this registration process is simply for planning purposes.
Registrations are now open and will close on 12 July.
The full line up of activities and entertainment, along with parking and other information will be announced closer to the event.
The Gympie Bypass is still on track for completion in late 2024, weather permitting.
The $1.162 billion Gympie Bypass is jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $929.6 million and the Queensland Government committing $232.4 million.
The community is encouraged to register their interest in attending this exciting event by visiting the project webpage at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/cooroytocurra (select 'Section D').
LINK https://owncloud.tmr.qld.gov.au/index.php/s/VdBYKp8AoeOmbOI
(Password: Gympie)
As stated by Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"I am excited to confirm the Gympie Bypass construction is on the home stretch with work expected to wrap up later this year, weather permitting.
"The Australian Government's continued investment in this much-needed major infrastructure upgrade has been critical in allowing this 26-kilometre project to progress.
"In the Federal Budget 2024-25 we allocated a further $467 million towards several projects along the Bruce Highway like the Gympie Bypass to ensure they get delivered for Queenslanders.
"This community event will be a first-hand opportunity for the public to see the progress and benefits that this crucial section of national highway will bring to the area."
As stated by the Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish:
"Since the start of construction in October 2020, over six million cubic meters of earth has been shifted from cuts to fill areas, and 43 bridge structures have been built at 24 locations along the new section of Bruce Highway.
"All local road overpasses are now complete and open to traffic which is helping connect the community while the new highway is constructed.
"The Gympie bypass has overcome a long list of challenges like a world-wide pandemic, several floods and supply chain issues, only to power ahead and here we are, ready to open it up for the community to get involved in the celebrations.
"This Community Open Day is being planned for you, the people who have supported the project, been potentially impacted by the construction program or just want to get involved in the unique experience of accessing a new highway before it's trafficked.
"There will be something at this event for all ages.
"Opening the bypass will be the culmination of 16 years' worth of construction on the 62-kilometre Bruce Highway Cooroy to Curra program of projects which began in 2008.
"It's time to celebrate this massive achievement – register your interest to help us plan this major event."
As stated by Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Queensland Senator Anthony Chisholm:
"The finishing touches being installed on the final section of the Gympie Bypass means we're a step closer to improving the safety, efficiency and overall disaster resilience of the Bruce Highway in this part of Queensland.
"Any motorist who has travelled along this section of the Bruce would agree this upgrade has been a long time coming, and the Federal Government is proud to have played its part in making the Bypass a reality.
"I encourage all those in the Gympie region to take up this unique opportunity to visit and familiarise themselves with the new road link, and enjoy the Community Open Day events."