Bruce Highway roadworks abandoned after WBHO goes into administration

Long stretches of the Bruce Highway have been reduced to a crawl after workers walked offsite in the wake of the main contractor going into voluntary administration.

The collapse of a main contractor delivering more than $46m in Bruce Highway upgrades has reduced progress and speed limits to a crawl.

WBHO Infrastructure was the main construction contractor for three Bruce Highway upgrade projects being delivered on the Bruce Highway between Proserpine and Ayr.

It was placed into administration on February 23, and roadwork crews downed tools and walked off three job sites on February 25, effectively abandoning the works, leaving in place reduced speed limits.

WBHO was delivering the $38.8m Emu Creek to Drays Rd upgrade, the $8.03m Bowen Connection Rd upgrade and $22m in works between Bowen and Ayr – all on the Bruce Highway.

Kilometres of the 67km stretch from Proserpine to Bowen have a reduced speed limit of 40km/h – 60km/h, with brief reprieves where it increases to 80km/h.

The majority of the stretch is lined with road markers, and Whitsunday deputy mayor Mike Brunker has questioned what can be done to increase speed limits to a safe 80km/h.

Mr Brunker said some sections were left designated 40km/h zones, and called on the council to explore how it could have the speed limits revised.

A TMR spokesman said the three upgrades had been due for completion by late 2022.

“Construction activity has ceased and we are working to ensure the sites are maintained in a safe condition until project delivery can continue,” the spokesman said.

“In the interim, the continued efficient operation of the highway and safety of road users through the roadworks sites is our priority.

“All roadworks are undertaken in accordance with an approved Traffic Management Plan.

“Although road users may not see construction activity under way as they travel through these sites, reduced speed limits can remain in place due to changed road conditions.

“We are currently assessing the remaining works and developing a strategy to ensure project delivery can be achieved and are working with the appointed administrator (Deloitte) towards a resolution.”