Bruce Highway set for major safety overhaul in Mackay-Whitsunday region

Regional Queensland’s most critical highway has scored seven new safety projects in one region alone, representing almost a third of the state’s latest infrastructure blitz.

The primary focus of the local upgrades is to build a stronger, more resilient road surface that will significantly boost skid resistance, particularly in wet weather. Picture: Tony Martin

A major state highway will receive a significant safety and reliability overhaul across the Mackay-Whitsunday region, with seven new projects announced under a $9bn boost.

This next stage of works form part of a more than $500m joint state and federal investment delivering 22 new projects across Queensland under the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program.

The primary focus of the upgrades is to build a stronger, more resilient road surface that will significantly boost skid resistance, particularly in wet weather.

The seven Mackay-Whitsunday locations benefiting from this injection of funds include key entry and exit points:

• Northern and Southern entry to Sarina

• Southern entry to Mackay

• Spider Creek

• South of Glendaragh Road

• Marian Hampden Road to Hudsons Road

• Greta Creek to Emu Creek

• South of Goodbye Creek

Bruce Highway (St Lawrence – Mackay), Northern and Southern entry to Sarina. Image: Google Maps

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the Federal Government was deeply committed to improving road safety.

“Our record funding under the new $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program demonstrates our focus to making this a reality for the Bruce,” Ms King said.

Bruce Highway (Mackay – Proserpine), South of Glendaragh Road. Image: Google Maps

Works underway

Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg confirmed work had already begun on this next round of projects and would continue next year, accelerating safety improvements along Queensland’s critical north-south spine.

“We are delivering a major boost to safety along the Bruce with rubber hitting the road on another 22 projects,” Mr Mickelberg said.

This built on the first round of 16 priority projects, six of which were already complete.

Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm labelled the Bruce Highway as “our lifeline across Central and Northern Queensland”.

“It’s vital we upgrade this corridor to ensure safety and reliability for regional Queenslanders,” she said.

Mackay MP Nigel Dalton said highlighted the regional focus of the funding with almost a third of the 22 new projects being delivered in the Mackay-Whitsunday area.

He said it “speaks to the importance this government places on delivering for regional Queenslanders.”

billion program continues to be rolled out.