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A new overpass linking Bushland Beach, Mount Low and the Bruce Highway will open to traffic early next week as part of the federally-funded $52 million upgrade of the Bruce Highway between Woodlands Shopping Centre and Veales Road. Federal Transport and Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese said the overpass would provide a safer link for motorists from Bushland Beach and Mt Low to the Bruce Highway, while also reducing congestion at the Mt Low parkway intersection. "This overpass has been specifically designed to improve safety and access for Townsville motorists," Mr Albanese said. "The overpass will split north and southbound traffic, providing uninterrupted flows along the highway. "Motorists will no longer have to wait for trains or traffic lights when accessing Mt Low Parkway." Main Roads Minister and Member for Thuringowa Craig Wallace said the opening of the overpass to traffic next week would provide congestion relief to northern beaches residents. "Thanks to the significant $52 million investment by the Federal Government, traffic will now have an uninterrupted route between Mt Low and the highway," Mr Wallace said. "I'm pleased that the Bligh Government has been able to deliver this project on behalf of the Federal Government without significant delays, despite the substantial wet weather the region experienced earlier this year." Key components of the Woodlands to Veales project include: - An overpass over southbound lanes of the Bruce Highway and existing railway line.
- Two new two-lane bridges over Stoney Creek to improve flood immunity and traffic flow.
- Upgrades to the exit at Woodlands Shopping Centre to improve safety for motorists exiting onto the northbound lane of the Bruce Highway.
- Upgrades to the Veales Road and Bruce Highway intersection to a "seagull" configuration to improve safety - "seagull" configuration is an unsignalised intersection that requires motorists to only give way to their right.
- A new left-turning lane into Mt Low Parkway to further improve traffic flow.
Mr Wallace said once the project was open to traffic, minor works such as landscaping, lighting and drainage would continue through to July. "This may cause short delays for commuters, but the end result will be a safer, free flowing road network," Mr Wallace said. Mr Wallace said the project had also sustained jobs for 374 people throughout the region.
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