Work is underway to significantly improve flood resilience, safety and capacity of the Sunshine Coast's road network through the $13 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.
Ten three-lane bridges are being built at five creek crossings between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and Steve Irwin Way to withstand a one-in-100-year flood event. This includes the area where significant flooding led to the Bruce Highway being cut in late February.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program is the largest road infrastructure plan for Queensland.
"We're working to make highway closures through this section far less common," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"The new southbound bridges and approaches currently under construction at King Johns and Lagoon creeks will be at least 2.4 metres higher than the current low-lying ones.
"The existing northbound bridges over King Johns and Lagoon creeks, already higher than the southbound bridges, will be replaced with new bridges sitting 1.3 metres higher.
"These are being built as part of the $662.5 million Bruce Highway Caboolture – Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way upgrade, which is funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 basis, and expected to be completed by late 2023."
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said crews were assessing construction sites affected by floodwater and resuming work.
"The Bruce Highway is an important part of the national road network and putting an end to delays will be welcome news for the 115,000 drivers who travel these sections each day," Mr Bailey said.
"I appreciate the patience of locals and industry as we worked to reopen the road, and for the ongoing efforts of crews on the ground who are continuing to clean-up and repair our roads.
"Ongoing flood repairs will also be scheduled on the Bruce Highway, and a number of roads on the state-controlled road network in the coming months, to permanently repair any damage and ensure these areas are more flood resilient than before.
"We know the road to recovery is going to be a long one but we're working together to progress these vital upgrades to give motorists and our freight industry more certainty in the future."
Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said the works complemented other projects underway along the Bruce Highway.
"The Australian Government is investing over $10 billion in a safer, smoother and more reliable Bruce Highway," Mr Young said.
"We're also delivering $130.6 million to the $163.3 million Deception Bay Road interchange project, which is under construction.
"This upgrade includes two new bridges over the Bruce Highway and removal of the existing bridge, plus crucial upgrades to two intersections and drainage improvements at the interchange.
"The Australian Government is committed to investing in and delivering the infrastructure projects that matter to Queenslanders and local businesses."
Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting welcomed the upgrades on behalf of locals.
"Many of our locals travel up and down the Bruce Highway every day for work," Mr Whiting said.
"It's because of these upgrades that we will keep getting these Queenslanders home safely."
Member for Kurwongbah Shane King said the Palaszczuk Government continued to prioritise important upgrades on the Bruce, to service the growing communities north of Brisbane.
"I'm proud of the commitment from the Palaszczuk Government to important upgrades, including interchange upgrades, which will allow locals to better access the Bruce Highway," Mr King said.
"I speak for all residents, and especially those in Narangba and Burpengary, when I say these upgrades are appreciated."
Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt welcomed the upgrades, which contributed to over $1.4 billion in road and transport projects being delivered in the North Coast region.
"The Palaszczuk Government's record $27.5 billion road and transport plan over the next four years is setting our region up for success," Mr Hunt said.
"Through extensive flood resilience project, capacity upgrades and safety works, we're building a better, more interconnected Sunshine Coast that will be able to better withstand future events like this."
For current information on road works and conditions across the state, visit www.qldtraffic.gov.au, call 13 19 40 or download the QLDTraffic app.
