Early works begin on $662m QLD Bruce Highway Upgrade

Following the beginning of the Expressions of Interest process earlier this year, early works are now underway to prepare for major construction in late 2020 on the $662.5 million Bruce Highway Upgrade between Caboolture and the Sunshine Coast. 

Local contractor SGQ is undertaking the relocation of water, power and telecommunications infrastructure as part of the early works. Motorists will also see vegetation clearing as well as public utility services – including Telstra and Energex – working along this section of the Bruce Highway. 

“Growth in the Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast regions illustrates the need for infrastructure project to help manage our growing population. 

“This project is part of the Federal Government’s record $100 billion infrastructure pipeline which will be crucial in helping our economy recover when we reach the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

Source: Department of Transport and Main Roads

This upgrade from Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way will involve widening an 11-kilometre section of the Bruce Highway from four to six lanes between the Caboolture-Bribie Island Road interchange and the southern end of Steve Irwin Way. 

This project will also deliver 10 new three-lane bridges at Lagoon Creek, King Johns Creek, Six Mile Creek, Rose Creek and Beerburrum Creek which can withstand a 1-in-100-year flood. 

Other works will include safety improvements such as shoulder and pavement widening, median and vertical alignment improvements as well as modifications to the Bruce and D’Aguilar Highway connection. 

This project will also create up to 660 jobs during construction. 

“Our investment in transport and roads is supporting industry to sustain over 21,500 jobs across Queensland. We will do everything we can to make sure these jobs are maintained. 

“Nothing is off the table in our response to this crisis, that is why we are about supporting business and jobs, stimulating our economy and making sure that when our community begins to recover that our infrastructure is ready,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

Once works are completed, this upgraded section of the Bruce Highway will be able to provide quicker travel times and an increase in capacity to accommodate future growth in the region. 

“The project will deliver a more efficient and higher quality journey experience for freight, commuter and tourism and recreational traffic,” Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said. 

The Bruce Highway Upgrade from Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163) is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, each contributing $530 million and $132.5 million respectively. 

Get the latest industry news and project updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to Felix Project News today. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Roads & Infrastructure Australia