$163.3m Bruce Highway Upgrade at Deception Bay Road now underway

Construction is officially commencing on the $163.3 million Bruce Highway Upgrade at the Deception Bay Road interchange with the arrival of machinery on site. 

The New Settlement Road/Deception Bay Road interchange upgrade is being delivered by BMD Constructions Pty Ltd, as part of the 15-year $12.6 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program. 

“Through this program, the Australian Government is investing massively to improve safety, flood resilience and capacity along the full length of the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cairns. 

“It is the largest infrastructure program in Queensland and is delivering many vital projects such as the congestion-busting, job-creating New Settlement Road/Deception Bay Road interchange upgrade, which is expected to support an average of 270 direct jobs throughout its life,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

Deception Bay Road interchange upgrade (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

The Australian Government will continue delivering major projects, such as this Bruce Highway project, across the nation through the $110 billion infrastructure investment pipeline to aid economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This Bruce Highway project includes: 

• Two new parallel bridges over the Bruce Highway and removal of the existing 2-lane bridge 
• Upgrading two signalised intersections at Deception Bay Road, one immediately west of the interchange at Old Gympie Road and one immediately east of the interchange at Eastern Service Road 
• Increasing the length and capacity of existing on and off ramps 
• Delivery of active transport facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, including on-road cycle lanes and a dedicated off-road shared path that will provide a safer connection for bike riders to cross the Bruce Highway 

“I’m pleased to see the State Government has finally begun construction on the Deception Bay Road Overpass, it’s long overdue and it will make a huge difference to locals who commute. 

“It is important, now more than ever, that we invest in infrastructure projects that help businesses and industry develop and thrive. 

“The Australian Government has invested significantly in projects on the southern end of the Burce Highway that, once open to traffic, will continue to support growth in the region,” Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said. 

Old Gympie Road & New Settlement Road intersection (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

This section of the Bruce Highway experiences major congestion, especially during peak hours, and delivering this upgrade will help relieve bottlenecks and cater for future traffic growth in the area. 

“This upgrade will tackle the problem of drivers getting stuck along the existing two-lane bridge when they’re trying to get to work or home to their families. 

“We need to upgrade the interchange so we can support the economy and productivity and get people home sooner and safer,” Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said. 

Eastern Service Road intersection (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

Once open to traffic, the upgraded interchange will make journeys quicker and safer for locals, visitors as well as businesses. 

“The interchange upgrade will improve traffic flow by replacing the existing bridge with two new, wider and longer bridges, plus longer and wider entry and exit ramps, and two upgraded, signalised intersections on Deception Bay Road. 

“Metering signals will be installed at entry ramps to balance traffic demands with capacity as traffic enters the highway. New infrastructure for pedestrians and bike riders will also be included to safely cross the Bruce Highway and connect to better local paths,” Queensland Transport and Main Roads Director-General Neil Scales said. 

Weather and construction conditions permitting, the interchange upgrade is due to be completed in early 2023. 

The New Settlement Road/Deception Bay Road interchange upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through an 80:20 funding arrangement, each contributing $130.64 million and $32.66 million respectively. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads