30 per cent reduction in serious crashes on Bruce Hwy after upgrades

Shocking statistics have revealed a major reduction in serious crashes on the Bruce Hwy after upgrades.

• 58 faces: Lives lost on highway of shame

Crashes on the Bruce Highway involving death and serious injury fell more than 30 per cent on multiple sections of the 1700km road after upgrades.

Transport and Main Roads figures, obtained exclusively as part of the Help our Highway campaign, highlight the crucial role road investments play in saving lives.

Before the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program kicked off in 2013, the road either side of Innisfail in the far north between Cairns and Ingham recorded 18.9 and 18.1 average casualty crashes per 100 million vehicle kilometres travelled.

The figures dropped to 12.9 and 13.2 respectively between 2014 and 2022.

Another dangerous section of the highway between Gin Gin and Rockhampton had a similar decrease in serious crashes, dropping from 17.4 to 11.6 between Benaraby and Rockhampton.

While the section between Mackay and Proserpine fell from 17.5 to 13.9.

Of the 14 main sections broken down by the department between Brisbane and Cairns, all recorded an improvement in the average number of fatalities and casualties.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish stressed “any life lost on our roads is one too many”, which was the key driver to invest heavily on upgrades along the Bruce Highway.

“Projects like the Ring Roads in Mackay, Townsville and Rocky which will take traffic off the Bruce and make it safer for everyone,” he said.

“Projects like the Sunshine Coast Direct Rail line which will take thousands of vehicles off the Bruce Highway.

“The Gympie Bypass, which is almost complete, will mean that traffic no longer has to go through the main centre of town.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said any road improvements had a positive impact on reducing crashes. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Mr Mellish said the improvements have had a positive impact on the frequency of serious crashes.

“We have seen a consistent reduction in casualty road crashes per vehicle kilometres travelled since the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program commenced in 2014,” he said.

“The average crash rate per hundred vehicle kilometres travelled has reduced from 14.7 to 11.2 since the Bruce Highway upgrade program began.

“Those figures represent peoples lives.”

Of the 40 projects from the upgrade program, 25 have so far been completed.

From the remaining projects, the $1.1 billion Cooroy to Curra upgrade near Gympie is nearing completion while 11 projects are currently in the planning stage.

The Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road upgrade between Brisbane and Gympie is by far the most expensive project yet to move beyond the planning stage.

It had joint state and federal funding locked in for the $948 million project but the Commonwealth is yet to confirm it will follow through on the investment after it blew out to more than $1.9 billion in December.

A TMR spokeswoman said the “project status is currently finalising planning and is subject to future budget discussions with the federal government”.

A smashed 4WD and caravan from the scene of the Bruce Highway following a crash at Bajool.

Other upgrades in the planning stage on the Bruce Highway that require attention following significant blowouts are stage five of the Cairns Southern Access Corridor and the new two-lane road at Mackay Port Access, which have both doubled in price from $225m and $350m to $550m and $700m respectively.

On the long passages of the Bruce Highway, various local political leaders are keen to see upgrades in their areas including new Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie wants further progress on funding for the next stage of the Tewantin Bypass at Beckman’s Road.

“Council will continue to advocate for funding to complete the remaining stages of the Tewantin Bypass, which includes the roundabout at the Eumundi Road,” he said.

“A business case for the work is underway, so we would be keen to have this completed to enable budget considerations by the Queensland Minister.”

While Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn said safety on the Bruce Highway was always a concern, particularly during holiday periods.

The Courier-Mail is partnering with NRMA Insurance and regional news mastheads across Queensland this year to drive positive outcomes through the Help Our Highway advocacy campaign.

The scene of a fatal crash on the Bruce Highway at Bloomsbury in February, 2023. Picture: Heidi Petith

NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Claims Natalie Major said history shows road upgrades can have a direct impact on reducing serious crashes and fatalities, which supports the data obtained by The Courier-Mail.

“Poor road quality such as potholes, cracks and uneven surfaces create a much higher risk of accidents,” she said.

“When a driver encounters an unexpected bump, when travelling at such high speeds, this can lead to car damage and even a dangerous loss of control.

“Severe weather can already increase the risk of an incident due to decreased visibility and slippery roads but when the road quality is also not adequate, that risk is amplified again.

“This is particularly concerning for the parts of the Bruce that are susceptible to flooding.”