Aerial photos reveal progress on Bruce Hwy Bypass of Gympie

The staggering scale of work on the $1bn Gympie Bypass has been captured in a series of new photos. PHOTOS, LATEST DETAILS HERE

A year of extreme wet weather and flooding has not dampened the timeline of the $1bn Gympie Bypass which is still expected to open to traffic in two years.

Progress on the final section of the Cooroy to Curra Bypass almost two years after it was started was captured this week in photos taken from a plane by Gympie councillor Bruce Devereaux.

The images show the transformation of the Bypass corridor, and progress on its construction, which should be at about the halfway mark, according to the expected timeline.

The next major milestone for the project, which will run 26km from Woondum in the region’s south to Curra at its northern end, will be construction of the highway’s main interchange with Gympie itself.

The interchange will cross Gympie Connection Rd, with work to be carried out at the nearby Ascot and Old Goomboorian roads.

The staggering scale of the Gympie Bypass has been revealed in new aerial pictures captured by Gympie councillor Bruce Devereaux.

Traffic directions and signage will be installed two weeks before work on the section starts.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the work was being carried out under two separate contracts.

“Work to-date has involved clearing and earthworks along the entire 26km project, with concrete girders being placed on almost all bridges within contract one,” Mr Bailey said.

“The first bridges in this section will be complete and opened to traffic in the coming months.

Construction on the Bypass near the Mothar Mountain speedway. Picture: Bruce Devereaux

“For contract two, earthworks are progressing well and bridges at the Curra interchange are taking shape, with piling work and girder installation underway.”

Mr Bailey said the floods at the start of the year, which devastated businesses and caused an extensive recovery still underway, were not expected to stall work.

“Although Gympie has endured a prolonged wet season, including several floods, the new highway is due for completion in mid 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting.”

Mr Bailey said on average more than 570 jobs will be supported “over (the project’s) life”.

Work on the bypass east of Gympie. Picture: Bruce Devereaux.

The new highway will run parallel to the rail line. Picture: Bruce Devereaux.

The bypass is still expected to be finished and opened by the middle of 2024. Picture: Bruce Devereaux.

Girders being installed on the bypass near Curra. Picture: TMR

Girders being installed on the Curra bridge section of the bypass. Picture: TMR.

Design of the new Gympie interchange once complete. Picture: TMR