$662m Bruce Highway upgrade in the Sunshine Coast to create 660 jobs

Construction on the $662.5 million Bruce Highway upgrade between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and Stever Irwin Way (Exit 163) in Queensland is due to begin before Christmas, bringing a much needed boost to the Sunshine Coast’s economic recovery. 

Once construction ramps up, more than 660 jobs will be up for grabs. 

“This project is a key part of the Australian Government’s record $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline which will support our economy at a time when it is needed most. 

“The Australian Government’s contribution of $530 million is all about creating jobs for Queenslanders, particularly those in the construction and manufacturing industries,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

This upgrade between Caboolture and Beerburrum is one of four major Bruce Highway projects to simultaneously get underway between Brisbane and Gympie. 

“When work starts on this project, there will be four upgrades with a combined value of more than $2.8 billion transforming the highway between Brisbane and Gympie, supporting more than 2,000 jobs all up as part of Queensland’s economic recovery plan. 

“Anyone who drives the highway regularly between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast will have experienced the congestion between Beerburrum and Elimbah,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said. 

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

The Bruce Highway – Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way project will be delivered under two work packages. 

The first contract has been awarded to Acciona Infrastructure Project Australia (formerly known as Lendlease Engineering Pty Ltd), who will undertake works between Caboolture-Bribie island Road and Pumicestone Road. 

Contract 2, which is expected to be awarded in early 2021, will cover upgrades between Pumicestone Road and Steve Irwin Way. 

“Both stages of the project are expected to be completed in early 2023, weather and construction conditions permitting. 

“Work on the first stage will start later this year, while the second contract is expected to be awarded early next year and construction scheduled to start mid-2021 – all fantastic news for local jobs and drivers,” Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said. 

This major Bruce Highway upgrade will feature: 

• Two extra lanes (one in each direction) between Caboolture-Bribie island Road interchange and Steve Irwin Way interchange (Exit 163), with 110km/h posted speed north of D’Aguilar highway and 100km/h posted speed to the south; and 3.5-metre traffic lanes with 3-metre shoulders and flatter batters or barriers as required 
• New 3-lane bridges to withstand a 1-in-100-year flood for northbound and southbound lanes at all five creek crossings 
• New 4-lane northbound bridge at Lagoon Creek and the southbound bridge at Beerburrum Creek to allow for current and future ramps 
• Caboolture-Bribie Island Road interchange modification to reduce southbound weaving and allow for ramp metering 
• Northbound exit ramp separation for Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and D’Aguilar Highway interchange into 2 consecutive exit ramps 
• Minor changes to existing interchanges at Pumicestone Road and Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163) 
• Provision for smart technologies including ramp signals, variable speed limit and message signs, vehicle detection systems and CCTV cameras 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads