Early works now underway on $1bn Inland Freight Route

An early works package is now underway to pave the way for major construction on the Inland Freight Route – also known as Queensland’s second Bruce Highway. 

The $107 million early works package will deliver priority upgrades along the 1,185-kilometre freight route between Mungindi and Charters Towers. 

The Inland Freight Route is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments. In 2022, the Australian Government announced that it will commit an additional $400 million towards the project, through the 2022-23 Federal Budget, which builds on its previous $400 million commitment from the 2021-22 Budget. 

On the other hand, the Queensland Government is honouring its 80:20 commitment to the project as it invests $200 million towards the delivery of this critical infrastructure. 

With the early works package now underway, more than half of the State Government’s funding commitment is now on the table. 

“Building the Second Bruce is essential as Queensland population continues to boom. 

“It will provide an alternative route for truckies and keep communities connected during major flood events. 

“Our government wants to see this critical freight corridor built, so we’re honouring our commitment to this project and getting works started now,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

Early works are kickstarted by a $19.7 million bridge upgrade over the Dawson River, north of Injune, that will see the existing bridge widened from 7.4 metres to 10.3 metres. This project will also realign the bridge approaches to improve safety and accessibility for heavy vehicles. This bridge upgrade is one of two that will be delivered between Injune and Rolleston, under the $107 million early works package. 

The $107 million early works package is being accelerated to address constraints north of Injune as well as in the vicinity of Belyando. Works will include: 

• Two bridge upgrades between Injune and Rolleston on the Carnarvon Highway 
• Major culvert upgrades between Roma and Injune on the Carnarvon Highway 
• Two road strengthening and widening projects (in sections) between Clermont and Charters Towers on the Gregory Developmental Road in the vicinity of Belyando 

This early works package builds on the $109 million jointly funded upgrades that were recently delivered on the Inland Freight Route and key feeder roads – carried out as part of the Roads of Strategic Importance program and road economic stimulus packages. 

The $1 billion Inland Freight Route project is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs. 

“Bringing forward the Queensland portion of funding for the Inland Freight Route between Mungindi and Charters Towers is vital. 

“The Bruce Highway is the single most important highway in the country. 

“By building a better Inland Freight Route targeted at taking trucks off the Bruce, we are ensuring string supply chains and driving economic growth for regional industries and communities. 

“Not only that, upgrades will improve connectivity and safety to help keep our state moving with a viable alternative to the Bruce Highway,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Trailer Magazine; 7 News