Works on the jointly funded $163.3 million Bruce Highway upgrade at the Deception Bay Road Interchange will start in the coming weeks after the construction contract was awarded to BMD Constructions Pty Ltd.
It comes as Moreton Bay commuters have also been given their first artist impressions of the interchange upgrade, which will create 270 jobs during construction.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Deception Bay Road Interchange upgrade was part of the $12.6 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.
"The Australian Government has invested significantly in the projects on the southern end of the Bruce Highway and once open to traffic, these upgrades will continue to support growth in the region," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"Through the Australian Government's investment, all Queenslanders, including those travelling home and further north, can expect to see improvements in safety and capacity along the Bruce Highway.
"We are investing in our future beyond COVID-19 by delivering lasting infrastructure which will kick-start our economic recovery and benefit Australians for years to come and this project is a perfect example of that.
"Our $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline will support our economy and create jobs, particularly for those in the construction and building supply chain sectors."
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the upgrade would form a key part of the Queensland Government's $3.13 billion to roads and transport program for the fast-growing area, including the $662 million Bruce Highway upgrade from Caboolture to Steve Irwin Way.
"Chris Whiting and Shane King have been huge advocates for this upgrade and, importantly, for creating jobs in the region as part of Queensland's plan for economic recovery from COVID-19," Mr Bailey said.
"Because Queenslanders have stepped up to the plate and continue to manage the health impacts of the global pandemic, we've been able to get on with this project as well as a $23 billion pipeline of transport and road upgrades for Queensland that'll mean 21,500 jobs.
"The interchange upgrade will support 270 direct jobs throughout its life – from design through to delivery – and once complete, will tackle congestion and safety for the thousands of small businesses and families who use the interchange every day."
Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said the Bruce Highway was a major freight transport corridor and increasing the road capacity would deliver industries greater efficiency transporting goods and produce to and from markets.
"The new overpass is welcomed by Deception Bay residents as it will reduce travel time for small and family businesses and help people crossing the highway from Narangba, Burpengary East and Deception Bay," Mr Howarth.
"Anyone who knows the existing bridge, that is decades old, knows that it is in urgent need of an upgrade and as the Federal Member who fought to get this funding, I am very happy that it is now becoming a reality."
State Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting said the upgrade would include two new parallel bridges over the highway, plus upgrades to intersections east and west of the interchange.
"Motorists who travel along this stretch of the Bruce Highway know just how heavy traffic can be during rush hour. Right now, drivers are getting stuck during those peak hours along the two-lane bridge," Mr Whiting said.
"Getting the interchange upgraded is needed first so we can then turn our attention to duplicating the remaining section of Deception Bay Road.
"We've completed the $37.5 million Rothwell roundabout upgrade and $7 million Morris and Deception Bay roads intersection project, and together with this project it means families and businesses will be able to spend less time on the road and more time doing what's important."
State Member for Kurwongbah Shane King said early works to relocate water, power and telecommunications infrastructure were already complete, paving the way for the project to start.
"It also adds to our $2.1 billion plan to bust congestion from the Pine River through to the heart of Moreton Bay – including an alternative route to take traffic off the Bruce Highway and upgrades for the Gateway Motorway," Mr King said.
"What we've also seen at this interchange is vehicles queuing on exit and entry ramps. That presents a safety issue, contributing to high crash rates on the highway and surrounding road network.
"I'm pleased that as part of the upgrade crews will build long on- and off-ramps plus new metering signals to balance that demand as drivers move onto the highway.
"For our cyclists, pedestrians and truck drivers there will also be benefits for them with new pathways and an increased height for the new bridges so tall trucks and vehicles don't need to detour."
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has awarded the major construction contract for the Deception Bay Interchange Upgrade to BMD Constructions Pty Ltd.
The $163.3 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments through an 80:20 funding arrangement and is expected to be completed in early 2023.
