LNP commits $1.991 billion to upgrade the Bruce Highway through Wide Bay
17th July, 2013
Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott and Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure and Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss, today announced a major package to upgrade the Bruce Highway through the Wide Bay electorate.“The Coalition is serious about fixing the Bruce. A Liberal Nationals Government will invest almost $2 billion to fund projects that increase the carrying capacity and improve the safety of the Bruce Highway through the Wide Bay electorate,” Mr Truss said.
“This announcement will deliver a four lane, flood proof road all the way from Brisbane to the edge of Gympie. It will also rebuild the Bruce Highway / Fraser Coast interchange at Tinana, improve flood immunity at Tiaro, and upgrade the Saltwater Creek crossing at Aldershot.
“The Cooroy to Curra projects to be funded include $997.39 million for Section C, which extends the four lanes from Traveston Road to Keefton Road, and constructing the announced $696 million Section A project, which completes the missing four lane link from Cooroy to Sankeys Road.
“As Section A nears completion, a Coalition Government will commence construction of Section C. We will also commit $50 million towards the planning and design of Section D — the Gympie bypass.
“Once completed, the Coalition’s upgrade will fix one of the most dangerous and deadly sections of the national highway. It will help traffic to flow smoothly and safely, and increase the efficiency of the route for all motorists,” Mr Truss said.
“Unlike Labor which has squandered time and opportunity by failing to commit to all stages of the Cooroy to Curra project, the Coalition will get the job done.”
Mr Truss said the Coalition will also fund a $38 million reconstruction of the Bruce Highway / Maryborough interchange at Tinana. This intersection was the site of a tragic truck accident which resulted in the loss of two lives.
“The interchange is an unsafe monstrosity which makes an unfitting entrance to one of Queensland’s premier tourism destinations. Maryborough and Hervey Bay will benefit from a redesigned interchange that will enhance the appeal of the Fraser Coast to motorists travelling along the Highway.
“The Coalition will also spend $103 million to upgrade the Saltwater Creek crossing at Aldershot which often cuts the Bruce Highway in times of flood. This will ensure that Highway traffic can access Maryborough in severe weather.
“Flood immunity at Tiaro will also be improved by a $107 million upgrade to the Black Swamp and Chinaman Creek crossings.”
Mr Truss said these projects are part of the biggest commitment ever made to improve the Bruce Highway. An incoming Coalition Commonwealth Government will contribute $6.7 billion and the State Government $1.8 billion to the package, which when added to the already announced $1.5 billion upgrade to the Gateway arterial in Brisbane, will mean a $10 billion commitment over 10 years to improving Queensland’s eastern seaboard road network.
“A Liberal Nationals Government will give the Highway through the Wide Bay electorate the funding and the priority it needs as part of our plan to fix the Bruce Highway.”
