More Smart Motorways technology to be delivered across QLD Bruce Hwy

More Smart Motorways technology is starting to be rolled out on the Bruce Highway between Pine River and Caloundra Road in Queensland. 

The $105 million Bruce Highway – Pine River to Caloundra Road Smart Motorways (Stage 2) project will be delivering additional traffic management technologies along a 60-kilometre stretch of the Bruce Highway. 

“It’s great to work with the Albanese Government to deliver this $105 million project for the people of Murrumba. 

“This technology will significantly improve the reliability of travel times on the stretch through to Caloundra Road, making it easier for locals to travel. 

“The Palaszczuk Government is delivering for Queenslanders on the road and rail and nowhere is that more evident than on the Bruce Highway,” Deputy Premier and Member for Murrumba Steven Miles said. 

Key features of the project include: 

• Ramp signals at highway entry ramps to manage traffic entering the highway 
• Variable speed limit signs to notify motorists of speed limit changes in response to an incident or changes in road conditions 
• Variable message signs to communicate with motorists about changes in road conditions 
• Vehicle detection systems that capture data to enable the operation of Smart Motorways technology 
• CCTV cameras to monitor real-time traffic conditions 

Works will also include targeted vegetation clearing, site establishment, investigative works as well as earthworks at various locations along the project route. 

“Our investment in new technologies is keeping cars moving right across the state. 

“This next stage will expand on the success of the program between Pine Rivers and Uhlmann Road by continuing through to Caloundra Road. 

“Not only will this help Queenslanders get home safer and sooner, but we’re also supporting 140 good Queensland jobs which is fantastic news as our economy continues to boom,” QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said. 

Preparation works are already underway around Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to widen the southbound entry ramp to the Bruce Highway along with the installation of a suite of technologies such as ramp signalling, variable speed limit signs and a new shared path across the highway. 

Wireless traffic sensors are also going to be installed at priority locations along the road corridor to help monitor vehicle travel times as well as traffic flow and speed. The sensors will provide the coverage and resolution needed to accurately monitor the highway’s performance in real time. 

Most of the work will be done at night to help minimise disruptions due to high traffic volumes along this stretch of road. In addition, traffic controllers along with reduced speed limits and signs are going to be put in place to ensure both motorists and road workers are safe. 

“This is really welcomed news for people living across Caboolture, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast. 

“We know how important the Bruce Highway is to these communities. The upgrades will improve their journeys and commutes, allowing people to travel safely and more reliably across the region,” Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm said. 

Seymour Whyte Constructions has been awarded the contract to deliver the Bruce Highway - Pine River to Caloundra Road Smart Motorways (Stage 2) project.

Weather and construction conditions permitting, the project is due to be completed in 2024. 

This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on an 80:20 basis, each contributing $84 million and $21 million respectively. The project is also being delivered as part of the 15-year, $13 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program. 

“Through our investment, motorists can expect to see improvements in safety, efficiency and reliability along this busy stretch. 

“Resilient and reliable transport is the backbone of the nation – delivering this type of infrastructure creates jobs, builds opportunity and unlocks economic growth and productivity,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads