Bruce Highway Upgrade Program

The Bruce Highway Upgrade Program is the largest road infrastructure program Queensland has ever seen. It is aimed at improving safety, flood resilience, and capacity along the length and breadth of the highway between Brisbane and Cairns.

Starting on 1 July 2013, the program was initially developed as an $8.5 billion 10-year commitment jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments. In May 2018, the Australian Government committed an additional $3.3 billion (based on 80:20 funding arrangements) to its existing $6.7 billion commitment.

The Queensland Government also committed to providing an additional $200 million each year (based on 80:20 funding arrangements) for upgrades on the Bruce Highway on top of the already provided $1.8 billion. In total, the program will deliver $12.6 billion of works over a 15-year period (2013–14 to 2027–28).

Specific commitments for Bruce Highway Cooroy to Curra—(Section D: Woondum to Curra) and Townsville Ring Road project (Stage 5) (subject to federal funding contribution), were outlined in the additional funding, as well as:

• targeted productivity-boosting, safety and flood resilience projects
• addressing safety hot spots
• reducing the distance between electric charging stations
• the Bruce Highway Trust Advisory Council to develop a 15-year vision and rolling 5-year action plans.

Highlights at the 6-year mark

As at March 2019, 22 major projects had been completed under the program including the delivery of:

• 51 bridges
• 27 new rest stops
• 122km safer roadsides
• 154km wide centreline treatments
• Boundary Road interchange upgrade—(which was completed 6 months ahead of schedule).

The program also supports regional economic growth and boosts employment opportunities in Queensland.

About the Bruce Highway

The Bruce Highway is Queensland’s major north-south freight and commuter corridor, connecting coastal population centres from Brisbane to Cairns over a length of 1677km. It is also a vital part of the National Land Transport Network providing linkages for west-east freight networks connecting a significant resource sector, and inland agriculture production areas to 11 coastal ports, and is a major tourism route.

About the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program

The program commenced on 1 July 2013, with a rolling program of upgrade projects up and down the highway, to be completed by June 2028.

The 15-year program focuses delivery on the following 3 priority areas:

• Safety improvements to enhance the safety of the highway through the provision of wide centre line treatments, intersection improvements, and safety barriers to reduce the risk of fatal and serious injury crashes so that it is safe for all road users.
• Flood improvements to enhance the efficiency of the highway by raising bridges and approaches and improving flood immunity on sections of highway subject to frequent flooding. Whilst it may not be feasible at this time to provide an entirely flood-free route, roads are assessed to ensure a consistent standard is provided for that specific network link.
• Capacity improvements to enhance economic opportunity through improved level of service on the highway. This will be achieved by the provision of capacity improvement projects such as additional lanes, managed motorways, grade separation (that is, separation of different flows of traffic using physical means) and intersection upgrades.

Plan ahead in case of delays.

Due to this work being underway, there may be delays that impact your travel. Visit QLDTraffic for up-to-date details to help you plan your journey.