Australian Govt commits additional $467m towards Bruce Highway projects

Through the 2024-25 Federal Budget, the Australian Government is investing an additional $467 million in Queensland’s Bruce Highway. 

The significant funding will go towards works to improve safety and capacity of the State’s major north-south corridor. 

“The Bruce is a crucial part of Queensland and that makes it a crucial part of our national economy. 

“We are getting more money for the Bruce so it can get more Queenslanders and more of our produce safely to their destination,” Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP said. 

The funding includes $154 million for improvements along the Bruce Highway North corridor. Additional funding will also be committed to support the delivery of several important existing Bruce Highway upgrade projects. $15 million will also be invested to plan for the upgrade of the Pine River Bridge. 

“The Bruce Highway isn’t just a major commuter and tourist route, it’s also a crucial freight link between Queensland’s regional production areas and our state’s coastal ports. 

“Upgrading the Bruce Highway is a top priority of our government, and this extra $467 million is a prime example of our commitment to improving the overall safety of the Bruce Highway, providing locals and visitors to the regions a safer and more pleasant journey,” Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm MP said. 

The Bruce Highway is a critical transport infrastructure for freight movements and passenger travel for Queensland and the new investment will help ensure that vital projects are delivered, allowing people to get to their destinations sooner and safer. 

Overall, the Albanese Government is investing over $10 billion in the Bruce Highway. 

“We are working for all Australians to deliver significant infrastructure that increases opportunities and connections, builds communities and improves safety. 

“The Bruce Highway is a vital connection for the State and we want to ensure the work is properly funded and projects are delivered. 

“We are working for all Australians to deliver significant infrastructure that connects communities, stimulates jobs and builds the future of our nation,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Below is a list of projects receiving funding from the Australian Government’s more than $10 billion commitment in the Bruce Highway. 

Bruce Highway South ($5.6 billion): 

• Pine River Bridge Capacity Upgrade – Plan and Preserve 
• Pine River to Caloundra Road Smart Motorways (Stage 2) 
• Widen Brice Highway in Brisbane (Dohles Rocks Road to Anzac Avenue) 
• Gateway Motorway – Bracken Bridge to Pine River 
• Anzac Avenue to Uhlmann Road 
• Anzac Avenue – Uhlmann Road – Business Case 
• Buchanan Road – Caboolture Bribie Island Road – Business Case 
• Uhlmann Road-Buchanan Road – Business Case 
• Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road Upgrade 
• Cooroy to Curra – Section D 
• Tiaro Flood Immunity Upgrade 
• Linkfield Road Overpass 

Bruce Highway Central ($1.6 billion): 

• Mackay Port Access – Slade Point Road 
• Knobels Road Intersection Upgrade 
• Jumper Creek Upgrade 
• Goorganga Plains Upgrade – Plan and Preserve Corridor 
• O’Connell River to Proserpine Flood Immunity Upgrade (Goorganga Floodplain) 
• Goorganga Overtaking Lanes 
• Construct 2 Dual (4 of) Overtaking Lanes from Gladstone – Mt Larcom Road to Bajool – Port Alma Road 
• Bruce Highway – Planning and preconstruction (various) 
• Gladstone to Rockhampton upgrades 
• Gavial Creek to Burnett Highway Upgrade 
• Safety reconstruction of the existing highway section at Bajool 
• Major upgrade/Grade-separation of Gladstone-Mt Larcom Road Intersection 
• Construct 2 Overtaking Lanes from Benaraby to Gladstone – Mt Larcom Road 
• Pavement renewal (Gladstone – Rockhampton) 
• Construct 1 Dual (2 of) Overtaking Lanes from Gavial – Gracemere Road to Burnett Highway 
• Ginger Beer Creek Upgrade 

Bruce Highway North ($1.9 billion): 

• Cairns Southern Access Corridor – Robert Road to Foster Road 
• Cairns Southern Access – Stage 5 
• Babinda Intersection Upgrade 
• Innisfail Bypass – Plan and Preserve Corridor 
• Dallachy Road Flood Immunity Upgrade 
• Gairloch Floodway – improved flood immunity 
• Ingham to Cardwell Range Deviation – Plan and Preserve Corridor 
• Burdekin Deviation – Plan and Preserve Corridor 
• Burdekin Bridge 
• Pavement Widening – South of Home Hill to Ingham 

Bruce Highway Safet Package ($1.4 billion): 

• Bruce Highway Safety Package 
• Overtaking Lanes 
• Additional Funding for Black Spots, Rest Areas and Safety Upgrades 
• Roads Operations Improvement Projects 

The Australian Government has also committed $1.2 billion towards the Rockhampton Ring Road. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Ministers – Treasury Portfolio; Infrastructure Magazine; Trailer Magazine