EXPLAINED: Major changes for Bruce Highway north of CBD

Drivers should expect major changes in the coming months as part of the $120m Northern Access Upgrade project

Newly laid asphalt between Goosepond Creek Bridge and the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Mackay-Bucasia Road. Picture: Department of Transport and Main Roads.

MOTORISTS should expect major changes to the Bruce Highway and its connections to some of Mackay's busiest roads.

The changes are part of the $120 million Mackay Northern Access Upgrade project to improve traffic flows on the north-side of the Pioneer River.

A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokeswoman said decking works to widen the bridges on the Bruce Highway, which began in April, were complete.

This included the bridge over Janes Creek at Glenella and over Goosepond Creek between Greenfields and the Sams Rd and Heaths Rd intersection near North Mackay McDonald's.

More key phases of the project were now on track to be completed by the end of the year.

Widening works along the Bruce Highway near Phillip St, Mount Pleasant. Picture: Department of Transport and Main Roads

"Next month (December), work will continue on the Davey St overpass decking, and

between Ron Camm Bridge and Mackay-Bucasia Rd, to increase the highway from four to six lanes," the TMR spokeswoman said.

With the extra lanes comes a suite of changes to turning lanes at the Sams Rd and Heaths Rd traffic lights.

An extra turning lane would be added for southbound motorists turning right onto Heaths Rd while the left lane turning onto Sams Rd would be lengthened.

An extra right-turn lane from Sams Rd would also be added, easing traffic flows on the Bruce Highway headed north towards Mount Pleasant.

Turning lanes towards Heaths Rd and Sams Rd would be extended for northbound motorists.

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New cycle connections would be installed on either side of the Bruce Highway, connecting existing paths at Goosepond Creek.

These works, including new traffic lights at the Sams Rd and Heaths Rd intersection, were expected to be completed before 2021.

The TMR spokeswoman said Davey St would be closed for one weekend during December with traffic diversions in place.

"Road users will be notified once the date is confirmed," she said.

Extra slip lanes would also be added at the Malcolmson St and Mackay-Bucasia Rd intersection.

"(It) will ease congestion by allowing motorists to turn onto Mackay-Bucasia Rd from the highway, without having to enter the roundabout," the spokeswoman said.

An extra right-hand turning lane would be added for northbound traffic entering Mackay-Bucasia Rd from the Bruce Highway.

The two Bruce Highway lanes for northbound motorists would remain.

A slip-lane for southbound travellers entering Mackay-Bucasia Rd from the Bruce Highway was also due for construction.

The TMR spokeswoman said the slip lanes are expected to be finished by November 2021.

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For more information on the project, head to TMR's website.

You can also subscribe to project and traffic updates by emailing [e-mail] quoting reference MNAUP.

For up-to-date road condition information phone 13 19 40, visit QLD Traffic or download the app.