Bruce Highway Upgrades Underway

The Bruce Highway upgrade is advancing in leaps and bounds, with works kicking off on the southern approach to Gin Gin and already underway across the Back Creek Range.

Representing the Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese at today’s official ceremony marking the start of works on both projects, Queensland Senator Mark Furner said the works on the southern approaches to Gin Gin would improve the safety and efficiency of the highway in response to an adverse crash history.

“This section of the Bruce Highway has seen more than its fair share of heavy vehicle crashes because of the curves in the road,” said Senator Furner.

“We need to address that, and that is why the Federal Labor Government has committed to the upgrades.

“The works here will improve the alignment of the road and the intersection with Bundaberg-Gin Gin Road.  They will also widen the roadway, strengthen road shoulders and improve the private accesses.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Scott Emerson, said the upgrade at Back Creek Range would realign the highway, widen the carriageway and increase the road shoulders.

“The section of highway across the range includes the section locally referred to as the ‘Big Dipper’ and has a sub-standard alignment and a poor crash history,” said Mr Emerson.

“These works will be extending an existing southbound overtaking lane, improving property access, constructing new turning lanes and upgrading road pavements.”

Through the Nation Building Program, the Federal Labor Government is fully funding the $20 million upgrade of the Bruce Highway on the southern approach to Gin Gin.

The Federal Government is also contributing $80 million towards the $100 million upgrade of two sections of the Bruce Highway north of Gin Gin: Cabbage Tree Creek to Carman Road and across Back Creek Range.  The Queensland Government is providing the remaining $20 million.