Queensland’s most vital transport corridor, the Bruce Highway, is undergoing its most comprehensive transformation in decades. Spanning from Brisbane to Cairns, the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program includes more than 66 current and upcoming projects aimed at improving safety, capacity, and flood resilience.
Dylan Anderson
A Statewide Commitment to Safer Roads
Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program is a $13 billion+ investment in the future of Queensland’s regional and metropolitan road infrastructure. From major bypasses to new rest areas and advanced safety treatments, the projects are intended to reduce fatalities, improve traffic flow, and support freight efficiency across the state.
Wide Bay Burnett Region
Key safety-focused upgrades include:
- Tiaro Bypass: A new four-lane bypass to reduce congestion and flood risk.
- Intersection Improvements: From Adams Road to Harvey Siding Road, intersections are being redesigned for better visibility and traffic flow.
- Rest Areas: New facilities at Curra and upgrades throughout Gympie to Benaraby enhance driver safety and fatigue management.
Dylan Anderson
Fitzroy Region
- Rockhampton Ring Road: One of the region’s most transformative projects, improving flood resilience and unlocking economic opportunities.
- Pine Mountain Creek to Deep Creek: Installation of wide centre lines to reduce head-on collisions.
- Raglan Creek: Bridge upgrades to support heavier freight vehicles and improve flood durability.
Mackay / Whitsunday
- Goorganga Floodplain Upgrades: Planning and preconstruction to protect against major flood disruptions.
- O’Connell River to Proserpine: Focused on improving overtaking opportunities and road safety.
Northern and Far North Queensland
- Ingham to Innisfail Safety Package: Multiple intersections and pavements are being strengthened.
- Dean Road to Tully High School: Centre line upgrades aim to reduce serious collisions.
- Innisfail Bypass: Corridor preservation and planning for a future bypass that could significantly streamline travel.
Metropolitan and North Coast
- Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road: Critical urban congestion relief with staged upgrades.
- Anzac Avenue to Uhlmann Road: Planning underway for added capacity and safer intersections.
Dylan Anderson
Targeted Safety Package
A $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program is being rolled out to address the most dangerous sections of the highway with:
- Wide centre lines and tactile markings
- New overtaking lanes
- Strengthened pavements
- Upgraded intersections
- Additional heavy vehicle rest areas
Program Milestones
As of September 2024, the program has delivered:
- 130 new bridges
- 582km of safety barriers
- 100 overtaking lanes
- 255km of wide centre line treatments
- 66 new or improved rest areas
- Flood immunity upgrades across eight critical sites
The Road Ahead
With completion targets set through 2030, the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program is not only a massive infrastructure initiative but a lifeline for Queensland’s future economic and regional growth. The upgrades aim to keep communities connected, reduce fatalities, support tourism, and make the state’s north-south freight corridor more efficient and reliable.
For the latest construction updates and traffic conditions, motorists are encouraged to check QLDTraffic before planning their travel.
Is this investment too little too late? Let us know. View more here.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
