Toll of dead, injured on Bruce Highway between Ingham and Townsville climbs
The number of people killed or injured on the Bruce Highway near Townsville is about to hit 50 in just five years with the latest crash stopping traffic for five hours. See what the government plans to do about it.
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As the number of people killed or injured on the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham continues to climb, the Queensland Government says there are no plans for a complete two-way dual carriageway.
Transport and Main Roads have confirmed that in the five years to September 9, 2022, eight people have been killed and 38 hospitalised from crashes on the short 80-kilometre road between the North Queensland capital and Ingham, Hinchinbrook Shire.
“We are also continuing to plan for future upgrades to the Bruce Highway, including targeted road safety improvements at locations where data shows crashes are more likely to occur,” a spokesman said.
“There is no current planning for a complete two-way dual carriageway between Townsville and Ingham.”
In the latest incident, two men from Ingham were badly injured in a serious three-vehicle accident that blocked the highway for more than six hours last week.
Queensland Police are still investigating the cause of the accident with safe following distances likely to be a key focus.
The section of well-travelled road is also plagued with road works that can add lengthy delays for travellers heading north from Townsville to enjoy the Hinchinbrook’s spectacular natural attractions and fishing.
More than $370 million of works are underway.
The works are part of the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program (BHUP), jointly funded with the Australian Government.
The spokesperson said the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2022–23 to 2025–26 (QTRIP) represented a record investment in road and transport infrastructure, with $29.7 billion in works committed over the next four years, supporting an average of 24,000 jobs over the life of the program.
“Of this, $1.069 billion is committed across TMR’s Northern District, which is estimated to support an average of 1000 direct jobs over the life of the program.”
The spokesperson said that in addition, a $30.76 million safety upgrade was completed at Bambaroo late last year.
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Originally published as Toll of dead, injured on Bruce Highway between Ingham and Townsville climbs
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