Upgrade of notorious Bruce Highway blackspot fast-tracked
16th January, 2015
The four laning of the Bruce Highway to Gympie will be fast tracked under a plan to be delivered by the Australian Government and a re-elected LNP Government.
Acting Prime Minister Warren Truss and Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson today confirmed the reconstruction of the 8.4km stretch of Bruce Highway would be brought forward with tenders to be called later this year.
“Over the last decade, 82 crashes have occurred on this section, involving seven fatalities, underlining the importance of fixing this section of the highway,” Mr Truss said.
“A number of local residents, including LNP Gympie candidate Tony Perrett have raised safety concerns about this section, known as Cooroy to Curra section C.
“We’ve now found the savings to bring this work forward by at least 12 months. This announcement follows our decision before Christmas to fast-track safety upgrades to the Keefton Road intersection and to the access arrangements for the Golden Nugget service station.”
The Federal Coalition and Queensland Government are working together on a historic 10-year, $8.5 billion deal to improve safety, capacity and flood mitigation works along the Bruce Highway.
Mr Emerson said this project is part of the strong and stable Newman LNP Government’s plan to deliver better infrastructure and boost jobs and the local economy.
“When complete the Bruce Highway will be duplicated from Cooroy right through to a new interchange at Woondum Road,” Mr Emerson said.
“Further intersection works at Venardos Avenue and Six Mile Creek rest area will also be carried out ensuring families get home safely.”
LNP candidate for Gympie Tony Perrett said only the LNP has a plan to deliver this job-creating infrastructure.
“Bringing the Section C project forward will mean families and local industry will benefit from a safer and quicker drive a lot sooner than expected,” Mr Perrett said.
“As a Gympie councillor I know how important these works are to people in this area and I am often asked about the project while I am out talking to locals, business and families.
“I’m pleased that both Warren and Scott have recognised just how important this work is and a Newman LNP Government will be in a position to see it delivered.”
The $624.3 million Section C Bruce Highway Upgrade between Cooroy and Curra is jointly funded, with the Australian Government contributing $499.4 million and the Queensland Government contributing $124.9 million.
Safety improvements near Keefton Road intersection and Gold Nugget service station will begin shortly and form part of the entire upgrade.
