Construction begins on another major Bruce Highway upgrade project

The first sod has been turned and works are now underway to upgrade a section of Queensland’s busy Bruce Highway. 

This $290 million upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Government, each contributing $232 million and $58 million respectively. This project is part of the $5.6 billion Australian Government investment towards the Bruce Highway South corridor. 

“The Bruce Highway is one of the nation’s busiest corridors and motorists, truck drivers and holiday makers rely on it every day. 

“We’re continuing to invest in and improve the Bruce Highway because we know how important a safe, smooth and reliable road network is for a growing population. 

“Works starting on this critical upgrade is an important step towards improving traffic capacity and local connectivity along this section of the Bruce,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Stage 1 of the upgrade will include: 

• A new northbound entry ramp from Dohles Rocks Road to the Bruce Highway, which will extend to Anzac Avenue interchange exit ramp as an auxiliary lane on the highway 
• A new southbound exit ramp from the Bruce Highway to Dohles Rocks Road, which will extend from Anzac Avenue interchange entry ramp as an auxiliary lane on the highway 
• New ramp metering signals on the northbound entry ramp to manage traffic entering the highway 
• Upgrades to the existing signalised intersection on Dohles Rocks Road to allow for traffic movements at the new northbound entry ramp 
• A new signalised intersection on Dohles Rocks Road to allow for traffic movements at the new southbound exit ramp 
• Modifications to the existing signalised intersection on Dohles Rocks Road to close access to Goodrich Road East and allow for the new southbound exit ramp. Access to Goodrich Road East will be available via Silvereye Drive intersection with Dohles Rocks Road 
• New noise barriers and upgrades to existing noise barriers 

The extended ramps to be delivered through this project will improve access and help manage increasing traffic demands on the Bruce Highway while also relieving pressure on the local road network. 

“The Australian Government and the Queensland Government have committed $290 million for Stage 1 of the Bruce Highway upgrade at Murrumba Downs and Griffin. 

“Upgrading this section of the Bruce Highway will help prepare our transport network for future growth in this region, and will reduce congestion and improve travel times. 

“We recognise these works will create some traffic changes in the local areas and we are committed to minimising these impacts where possible as the first phase of construction progresses. 

“There’s a lot happening across Queensland while we’re in the biggest decade of infrastructure delivery in our history – Queensland’s Big Build. 

“This means you may experience some disruption from time to time, which can be frustrating, but what it signals is that your area is improving. 

“Our investment in this significant upgrade means you will get home safer and sooner, to spend more time with family and friends and enjoy Queensland’s great lifestyle. 

“We thank the community and road users for their cooperation and patience while works are underway,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said. 

Project map (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

Future stages of the upgrade will include collector-distributor roads on both sides of the Bruce Highway from Dohles Rocks Road to Anzac Avenue alongside upgrades to the Anzac Avenue interchange and the delivery of a shared pedestrian and bicycle path on the eastern side of the Bruce Highway from Dohles Rocks Road to Anzac Avenue. 

Not only will this project reduce travel times and congestion on the Bruce Highway and local roads, but it will also support up to 340 jobs during its construction phase. 

RoadTek is undertaking the first phase of works which involves vegetation clearing, land preparation works, property demolitions, and service relocations for electricity, gas, water and telecommunications. 

These works will pave the way for the beginning of main construction activities, expected to commence by the end of this year. 

“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. 

“This critical project is a prime example of the Albanese Government delivering for Queensland. It shows our commitment to improving the overall safety of the Bruce Highway, delivering safer and smoother journeys,” Senator for Queensland Murray Watt said. 

This project builds on the integrated planning being carried out for the Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway Upgrades (GMHBU) that will provide a whole-of-network solution to manage increasing traffic volumes in the north Brisbane and Moreton Bay regions. 

The Dohles Rocks Road to Anzac Avenue upgrade is one of several major transport infrastructure projects for the busy Bruce Highway, to be delivered as part of the Queensland Government’s record $37.4 billion investment highlighted in the 2024-25 State Budget. 

A significant portion of this investment – amounting to $5.3 billion – will be spent across the North Coast Region, covering Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and surrounds. 

Major upgrades on the Bruce Highway complement the major investment by the Australian and Queensland Governments on the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail – the longest ever spur rail line in the State’s South East. 

The massive rail project aims to remove thousands of cars off the Bruce Highway each day and drive major housing development through the southern Sunshine Coast region. 

“As someone who commutes from Mango Hill via the Bruce Highway most days, I know how critical major upgrades to the Bruce Highway are. 

“That’s why I’m doing what matters for my community – delivering major improvements to the busy Bruce. 

“This $290 million project will keep locals moving now, as we get on with planning further upgrades between the Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway. 

“As more people move to Queensland, we need a multi-modal solution. That’s why my government is also delivering a direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line,” Premier and Member for Murrumba Steven Miles said. 

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