The Bruce Highway Upgrade at the Deception Bay Road Interchange is taking shape with the new northbound exit ramp open to Deception Bay Road.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the project is powering ahead since work began late last year.
"It's great to see construction well underway to upgrade this busy Bruce Highway interchange at Burpengary. The opening of this ramp is a major step forward," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"The Australian Government is investing over $10 billion in a safer, smoother and more reliable Bruce Highway, which will benefit Queenslanders, tourists and freight all the way from Brisbane to Cairns."
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the $163.3 million project was also a boost for active transport and jobs in the North Coast region.
"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to delivering improved roads and transport infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast through our record $27.5billion roads and transport plan," Mr Bailey said.
"Of this, nearly $3 billion will be delivered in the North Coast Region, estimated to support an average of 2640 direct jobs over the life of the program.
"At Deception Bay Road, the upgrade includes new facilities for people walking and riding bikes which will make the interchange much safer for all.
"We know that, on average, every dollar we invest in active transport infrastructure will return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queensland with improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion, and lower transport costs.
"I look forward to seeing the project continue to progress towards another milestone."
Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said with the new exit ramp to Deception Bay Road open, temporary traffic arrangements are now in place for the northbound ramp to the Bruce Highway.
"Motorists should follow traffic control and signs to access the northbound entry ramp and expect some initial congestion as people adjust to the new arrangement," Mr Howarth said.
"Work is also progressing well to build the first of two new bridges over the highway."
Member for Kurwongbah Shane King said construction of the first of two new bridges over the highway was progressing well.
"Locals will notice construction well underway, which will allow us to transfer traffic from Old Gympie Road and Deception Bay Road over to the new bridge," he said.
"Then we can get on with building the second new bridge.
"We expect traffic to be running on the first of the two new bridges early next year, weather and construction conditions permitting."
Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said once the first new bridge is built, Deception Bay Road traffic will be transferred onto it to allow demolition of the old bridge.
"We will then build the second new bridge over the highway," Mr Young said.
"This work requires careful coordination to ensure it goes smoothly and safely with minimal interruptions to motorists. I appreciate everyone's patience while we deliver this important upgrade."
Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting thanked drivers for their patience while the important work was underway.
"The upgrade will significantly reduce travel times through the area and see traffic flowing through the interchange better than before," Mr Whiting said.
"This project is another example of the Palaszczuk Government delivering big for our community."
The Bruce Highway Upgrade - Deception Bay Road Interchange is funded on an 80/20 basis, with the Australian Government contributing $130.64 million and Queensland Government contributing $32.66 million.
Major construction started in November 2020 and is expected to be completed in early 2023, weather and construction conditions permitting.
