Mackay Ring Road
An improved link has been delivered from the south to the northern suburbs reducing traffic through Mackay.
Construction
Bruce Highway Upgrade Program
The Bruce Highway Upgrade Program is the largest road infrastructure program in Queensland, aimed at enhancing safety, flood resilience, and capacity along the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cairns. It was initiated on 1 July 2013, with a 10-year commitment valued at $8.5 billion, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments.
Over the years, the program received additional funding commitments. 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 State's annual Bruce Highway funding commitment will increase to $250 million per annum from 2027–28 onwards, on top of the additional $1.8 billion the Queensland Government has already provided.
In 2022, a jointly funded boost of $883 million was introduced specifically to target upgrades to various sections of the Bruce Highway, including areas between Gladstone and Rockhampton, between Mackay and Proserpine, north of Townsville, and the Tiaro Bypass.
To ensure proper management and oversight, the Queensland Government established the Bruce Highway Trust Advisory Council. This council was responsible for developing a 15-year Vision and three 5-year rolling Action Plans, along with the Safer Bruce 2030 Action Plan, on this nationally significant link to:
- unlock economic growth
- boost employment
- build flood resilience and
- improve safety.
The Bruce Highway Trust Advisory Council was supported by a Technical Working Group established within the department comprising technical and subject-matter experts.
Program highlights as at 31 March 2024
The Bruce Highway Upgrade Program is on track with the delivery of:
- 120 new bridges
- 66 new and upgraded rest areas
- 489km roadside safety barriers
- 72 township entry treatments
- 247km wide centre line treatments
- 100 new overtaking lanes
- 204 protected right-hand turns
- 73km of highway duplication
- 8 flood immunity upgrade projects completed.
About the Bruce Highway
The Bruce Highway is a crucial transportation route in Queensland, serving as the major north-south freight and commuter corridor, connecting various coastal population centres from Brisbane to Cairns over a total length of 1,673km. It plays a vital role in the National Land Transport Network linking west-east freight networks, connecting resource sectors, inland agriculture production areas, and coastal ports, while also serving as a major tourism route.
About the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program
The Bruce Highway Upgrade focuses on the 3 priority areas during its 15-year course:
- Safety improvements these measures aim to enhance the safety of the highway by implementing wide centre line treatments, intersection improvements, and safety barriers to reduce the risk of fatal and serious injury crashes for all road users.
- Flood improvements by raising bridges and approaches and enhancing flood immunity on sections of the highway that are 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 is achieved through capacity improvement projects, including additional lanes, managed motorways, grade separation (separation of different flows of using physical means), and intersection upgrades.
Plan ahead in case of delays
As with any major construction program, there might be delays that could affect travel. Therefore, it is advised to plan ahead and check for up-to-date details on QLDTraffic to help you plan your journey.
81 Projects in Bruce Highway Upgrade Program
Burdekin River Bridge, rehabilitation program
The department is undertaking the rehabilitation and maintenance program for the Burdekin River Bridge to preserve the structural integrity of the bridge. The ongoing program will ensure a safe and durable crossing is maintained for the long-term use of vehicles, heavy transport operators, rail operations, bicycle riders and pedestrians.
Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade (Stage 1)
The Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade will provide additional track capacity and reliability, creating travel time savings and increased passenger and freight services to the growing Sunshine Coast region.
Bribie Island and surrounds transport and mobility study
A study investigating transport issues and opportunities relating to movement to, from and within the Bribie Island and surrounding area to identify opportunities for further action.
Brisbane Valley Highway (Ipswich - Harlin), Warrego Highway to Fernvale, improve safety
Improvements to approximately 14km of the Brisbane Valley Highway will reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve traffic efficiency.
Brisbane Valley Highway (Ipswich – Harlin), Fernvale, upgrade pedestrian facilities
Dedicated right-turn lanes, pedestrian refuges, reduced speed limits, and town entry treatments will improve safety for road users through Main Street in Fernvale.
Brisbane to Sunshine Coast Rail Corridor Strategy
We are developing a rail corridor vision and a staged program of rail priorities to 2051 on the North Coast Line between Brisbane and Gympie North.
Bruce Highway (Bowen-Ayr), Inkerman overtaking lane and safety improvement projects
Safety on the Bruce Highway at Inkerman will be improved through the installation of new northbound overtaking opportunity and upgrades to the Mount Inkerman Road intersection.
Bruce Highway (Brisbane - Gympie), Anzac Avenue to Uhlmann Road upgrade, business case
The department is planning to upgrade the Bruce Highway from Anzac Avenue, North Lakes to Uhlmann Road, Burpengary.
Bruce Highway (Brisbane - Gympie), Buchanan Road to Caboolture-Bribie Island Road upgrade, business case
The department is planning to upgrade the Bruce Highway from Buchanan Road, Morayfield to Caboolture-Bribie Island, Caboolture.
Bruce Highway (Brisbane - Gympie), Caboolture - Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way upgrade
Major construction was completed for the Bruce Highway Upgrade — Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way project in April 2024. This project widened the 11km stretch of the Bruce Highway from 4 to 6 lanes between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163). This also included upgrading creek crossings to improve flood immunity at Lagoon, King Johns, Six Mile, Un-named and Beerburrum Creeks.
Bruce Highway (Brisbane - Gympie), Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road upgrade (Stage 1)
The Bruce Highway - Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road (Stage 1) project is part of integrated planning for the Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway Upgrades in north Brisbane and the Moreton Bay Region.
Bruce Highway (Brisbane - Gympie), Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road upgrade (Stage 2), detailed design
The Bruce Highway - Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road (Stage 2) project is part of integrated planning for the Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway Upgrades in north Brisbane and the Moreton Bay Region.
Bruce Highway (Brisbane - Gympie), Uhlmann Road to Buchanan Road upgrade, business case
The department is planning to upgrade the Bruce Highway from the Uhlmann Road, Burpengary to Buchanan Road, Morayfield.
Bruce Highway (Brisbane-Gympie), Dohles Rocks Road to Anzac Avenue upgrade (Stage 1)
The department is delivering staged upgrades to manage increasing traffic demands on this section of the Bruce Highway. Stage 1 includes extended north-facing ramps from Dohles Rocks Road to Anzac Avenue.
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Section D
The $1.162 billion Section D: Woondum to Curra project is a new 26km, 4-lane divided highway between the existing Bruce Highway interchange at Woondum, south of Gympie and Curra.
Bruce Highway (Gympie – Maryborough), Tiaro Bypass, construct four lane bypass
Planning is complete and the detailed design stage has commenced for a new four-lane section of the Bruce Highway to the east of Tiaro. The project will increase the flood immunity, safety and efficiency of the Bruce Highway and future-proof the road to cater for growing traffic volumes. It will also remove a significant number of heavy vehicles from the Tiaro township, improving safety and liveability for residents.
Bruce Highway (Ingham – Innisfail), Gairloch Floodway, improve safety
Planning has started to improve safety and reduce the time of closure due to flooding on a complex section of the Bruce Highway at the Gairloch floodway, approximately 6km north of Ingham.
Bruce Highway (Innisfail - Cairns), Innisfail Bypass, plan and preserve corridor
The department is progressing a $9 million planning project to plan and protect a suitable road corridor for a future bypass of Innisfail, if required.
Bruce Highway (Innisfail – Cairns) and Munro street (Babinda) intersection upgrade
The department is progressing a project to upgrade the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Munro Street at Babinda.
Bruce Highway (Mackay - Proserpine), Jumper Creek, upgrade flood immunity
Upgrades to improve flood immunity at Jumper Creek, between Mackay and Proserpine are now complete.
Bruce Highway (Mackay – Proserpine), Knobels Road, upgrade intersection and approaches
Construction has started at the Knobels Road and Nebia Coningsby Road intersection to improve safety and enhance visibility.
Bruce Highway (Pine River - Cairns), Road Operations Improvements
This project will provide Intelligent Transport System infrastructure at various locations along the Bruce Highway between Pine River and Cairns.
Bruce Highway (Proserpine - Bowen), Emu Creek to Drays Road, various locations, widen formation
Safety upgrades have been completed to almost 20km of the Bruce Highway from Proserpine to Bowen, as part of the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.
Bruce Highway (Townsville to Ingham) safety improvements and rest area upgrade projects
Bruce Highway works, between Townsville and Ingham, are underway to improve safety and upgrade a rest area.
Bruce Highway (Townsville-Ingham), Leichhardt Creek to Abergowrie Road, widen pavement and improve safety
Bruce Highway upgrades between Leichhardt Creek and Cassowary Creek (about 42km north of Townsville).
Bruce Highway Planning Project—Pine River to Caloundra Road
The department has delivered a planning project to investigate and prioritise upgrades to the Bruce Highway between the Pine River and Caloundra Road.
Bruce Highway Upgrade—Deception Bay Road to Caboolture-Bribie Island Road
A planning study has been undertaken to investigate future upgrade requirements on the Bruce Highway between Deception Bay Road and Caboolture-Bribie Island Road.
Bruce Highway Upgrade—Sunshine Motorway to Maroochydore Road
We have completed early planning to determine future upgrade needs for the Bruce Highway between the Sunshine Motorway and Maroochydore Road. The planning identifies a long-term solution to meet future traffic growth, reduce traffic congestion, and improve safety and flood immunity.
Bruce Highway – Pine River to Caloundra Road Smart Motorways (Stage 2)
The Bruce Highway - Pine River to Caloundra Road Smart Motorways (Stage 2) project will deliver additional Smart Motorways technology along a 60km section of the Bruce Highway between the Pine River and Caloundra Road.
Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 3), Edmonton to Gordonvale
A total transport solution has been delivered to provide long-term improvements to traffic flow and road safety through reducing congestion, highway travel time and improving road access.
Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 5), Foster Road upgrade intersection
Planning for the Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 5), Foster Road upgrade intersection project will assess and recommend options to upgrade this intersection.
Bruce Highway—Cooroy to Curra
This project involves a 62km realignment and upgrade of the Bruce Highway to 4 lanes between Cooroy and Curra and is among Queensland's highest priority road projects.
Caboolture - Beachmere Road, improve safety
Construction is underway to implement safety improvements for Caboolture – Beachmere Road (locally known as Beachmere Road) and enhance overall driving conditions.
Caboolture-Bribie Island Road, Hickey Road to King Johns Creek
The future duplication of Caboolture-Bribie Island Road between King Johns Creek and Hickey Road will ease congestion and improve safety.
Caboolture-Bribie Island Road, Old Toorbul Point Road to Saint Road
The department is undertaking detailed design for the duplication of Caboolture-Bribie Island Road between Old Toorbul Point Road and Saint Road, including signalisation of the Volz Road intersection.
Caboolture–Bribie Island Road, Bribie Island bridge, planning
The department is finalising a business case for the construction of a new bridge to Bribie Island.
Caloundra Road, Kawana Way Link Road and Bells Creek Arterial Road intersection planning
Options to improve safety and reduce congestion are being investigated at the Caloundra Road, Kawana Way Link Road and Bells Creek Arterial Road intersection in Caloundra.
Caloundra Road, Kawana Way Link Road to Bruce Highway, off-road cycle link, planning
The department has started planning for an off-road cycle link along approximately 3.5km of Caloundra Road.
Clontarf - Anzac Avenue (Elizabeth Avenue), construct active transport overpass
A pedestrian overpass over Elizabeth Avenue was installed to provide a safe crossing facility between Clontarf Beach State High School's main campus and Department of Education fields across the road.
Coominya Connection Road, Buaraba Creek, replace timber bridge
The Buaraba Creek timber bridge replacement project will improve safety and network reliability by replacing the existing narrow, timber bridge (Neithe Bridge) with a new wider, two-lane, concrete structure in the same location.
Cooroy intersection improvements
Planning has been undertaken for the upgrade of the intersections at Diamond and Elm Streets and Myall and Elm Streets at Cooroy.
David Low Way cycle facility
On-road bicycle lanes are being constructed to improve safety at Marcoola and Mudjimba.
Dayboro Road link study
Planning is underway to develop a long-term vision for the future of Brisbane-Woodford Road (known as Dayboro Road) between Gympie Road and Youngs Crossing Road.
Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line
We’re directly connecting the eastern communities of the Sunshine Coast to South East Queensland’s passenger rail network – making it easier to travel locally, and to and from the Sunshine Coast.
Eumundi-Noosa Road, Emu Mountain Road to Beckmans Road, safety improvements
Construction is underway for safety improvements on Eumundi—Noosa Road for all road users, including bike riders.
Glass House Mountains Road (Steve Irwin Way) and Caloundra Street intersection upgrade
The department will deliver a new signalised intersection on Glass House Mountains Road, known locally as Steve Irwin Way, at Caloundra Street, Landsborough.
Glass House Mountains Road (Steve Irwin Way) safety improvements, between Glass House Mountains and Beerwah
This project will improve safety at various locations along Glass House Mountains Road (locally known as Steve Irwin Way) between Glass House Mountains and Beerwah.
Kawana Motorway (Mooloolah River Interchange to Kawana Way Link Road)
Options are being investigated for a new motorway link (Kawana Motorway) between Parrearra and Meridan Plains. This new motorway will help cater for the growing population.
Kin Kin Road - widening upgrade at Kin Kin range
Design and construction to rehabilitate and widen priority sections of Kin Kin Road (locally known as Pomona Kin Kin Road) is underway. This will improve safety, reduce maintenance costs and improve ride quality on Kin Kin Road.
Kin Kin Road Engineering Review
We've completed extensive investigations on our operational management of Kin Kin Road in response to community concerns around heavy vehicle traffic.
Kin Kin Road—Six Mile Creek: replace timber bridge
The Six Mile Creek timber bridge on Kin Kin Road, 3km north of Pomona, has been replaced with a concrete bridge structure.
Landsborough to Nambour Rail Corridor Study
We have identified and preserved a new rail corridor between Landsborough and Nambour, which will replace the existing North Coast line through this section.
Linkfield Road Overpass upgrade
The department has been investigating options to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety and freight access for the Linkfield Road Overpass in Bald Hills.
Mackay Port Access, Bruce Highway to Mackay - Slade Point Road (Stage 1)
Mackay Port Access will provide a direct link for freight movements from the Mackay Port to the Mackay Ring Road, and west to the Bowen Basin coal fields via the Walkerston Bypass and Peak Downs Highway.
Mackay Ring Road
An improved link has been delivered from the south to the northern suburbs reducing traffic through Mackay.
Maleny – Kenilworth Road (Cambroon), various locations, widen pavement
Construction has started on widening and sealing 2 sections of Maleny-Kenilworth Road in the Conondale and Cambroon areas to provide a sealed lane and shoulder in each direction.
Maroochydore - Mooloolaba Road and Ocean Street, improve intersection
Construction is complete for safer pedestrian crossings in Maroochydore's entertainment precinct.
Maroochydore - Noosa Road (David Low Way), Bli Bli Bridge upgrade, planning
Planning will identify a preferred option for a future upgrade that improves efficiency, safety, and reliability for all road users. Active transport facilities will be among the key considerations.
Maroochydore Road, Pike Street and Killick Street intersection upgrade, design
The department has identified a preferred option for the future upgrade of Maroochydore Road, Kunda Park to improve the existing transport network by enhancing network reliability and improving access options.
Maroochydore-Noosa Road (Bradman Avenue), Diura Street and Denna Street, improve intersections
Construction is underway for safety improvements to the intersections of Bradman Avenue/Diura Street and Bradman Avenue/Denna Street, Maroochydore.
Maroochydore–Noosa Road Route Strategy and Link Plan
The department is undertaking planning for the full length of Maroochydore–Noosa Road which runs from Ocean Street, Maroochydore to Emu Mountain Road, Peregian Springs.
Mooloolaba Boat Harbour entrance, long-term solution
We are planning for a long-term solution to improve safety and accessibility for all users.
Mooloolaba Road and Sugar Road intersection, upgrade
The Mooloolaba Road and Sugar Road intersection project is an interim measure to better manage traffic flow. An upgrade to the intersection will help to minimise delays, congestion and queuing, and improve safety along this busy section of the network.
Mooloolaba to Maroochydore cycleway, design cycleway
The department is partnering with Sunshine Coast Council to deliver the Mooloolaba to Maroochydore cycleway which will provide a bicycle path connecting Mooloolaba to Maroochydore.
Nicklin Way, Third Avenue extension, new intersection
An ultimate project footprint has been identified for the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade, including the Nicklin Way, Third Avenue extension.
North Brisbane - Bruce Highway Western Alternative, planning
The Australian and Queensland governments have jointly funded planning to address current and emerging transport issues in the Bruce Highway corridor.
Road Asset Management Contracts—North Coast
In July 2019, RoadTek and Downer were awarded 5-year contracts to provide responsive, routine and programmed maintenance services across the North Coast Region.
Rockhampton Ring Road
The Rockhampton Ring Road is a long-term, visionary project for the Bruce Highway. It will unlock future economic growth and deliver significant benefits including improved flood resilience, freight efficiencies and road safety, and reduced travel times.
Samford Road safety improvements
Construction is underway for a project to improve safety along a 1.5-km section of Samford Road, between Lomandra Access Road picnic area and Camp Mountain Road, and at the Camp Mountain Road intersection.
Scarborough Boat Harbour
Scarborough Boat Harbour is a vibrant part of the Redcliffe Peninsula community. We are currently undertaking a master planning process to help guide future activities at the boat harbour.
Southern Queensland 2022 flood reconstruction works
Repairs are underway across southern Queensland after extensive and severe damage to the state-controlled road network was caused by multiple heavy rainfall and flooding events in 2022.
Southern Sunshine Coast Roads Improvement Study
A study is underway to identify and prioritise road network connectivity and safety improvements to increase road capacity within the growing southern Sunshine Coast area.
Strathpine - Samford Road (Eatons Crossing Road and Mount Samson Road), improve intersection and route safety
Construction is underway for safety improvements on Strathpine-Samford Road between Eatons Hill and Samford Valley.
Sunshine Coast public transport, business case
The department is undertaking a detailed business case for an improved public transport system for the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Motorway (Mooloolaba - Peregian), David Low Way to Yandina - Coolum Road, duplication, business case
The department is planning to duplicate the Sunshine Motorway, between David Low Way to just north of Yandina-Coolum Road.
Sunshine Motorway (Mooloolah River to Maroochy River) planning
The department is planning to improve efficiency, capacity and safety on the Sunshine Motorway between the Mooloolah River and the Maroochy River.
Sunshine Motorway (Tanawha – Mooloolaba), Dixon Road to Mooloolah River Interchange, business case
The department is planning to improve a section of the Sunshine Motorway between Dixon Road, Buderim and the Mooloolah River Interchange.
Sunshine Motorway, Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade (Stage 1)
The Sunshine Motorway, Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade will address well-known safety and congestion issues that are forecast to increase due to regional population growth and development, while also delivering improved north-south connectivity on the Sunshine Coast.
Townsville Ring Road (Stage 5)
The Townsville Ring Road Stage 5 project, a landmark initiative that has brought about substantial improvements in road safety, traffic flow and travel time predictability for both freight and passenger vehicles along the Bruce Highway in Townsville, has been completed.
Yandina—Coolum Road, South Coolum Road and School Road, upgrade roundabout
Construction is underway to replace the roundabout with a signalised intersection.