Works have begun today to improve safety along a three-kilometre stretch of the Bruce Highway at Gootchie, which includes upgrades to three intersections.
The project will widen the Bruce Highway, provide two-metre shoulders and widen centre line treatments from Gutchy Creek to north of the Sheehan’s Road intersection.
This also includes the installation of right and left-turn lanes at the Deveron Road, Molteno Road and Sheehans Road intersections to improve safety by separating through and turning traffic.
Queensland Assistant Regional Roads Minister Bruce Saunders said Wide Bay locals were reaping the benefit of the investments in the Bruce Highway.
“We’re seeing an infrastructure boom in the Wide Bay, with more than $1.5 billion to be delivered in our region over the next four years,” Saunders said.
“That includes major projects like the $1 billion Gympie Bypass, that is supporting quality job and training opportunities through construction.
“And further north, we have just called for tenders on the $30 million Torbanlea-Pialba Road flood immunity project.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the treatments will increase safety in the area.
“Together, these treatments will provide a more forgiving roadside for drivers and safer distancing from oncoming traffic,” said Joyce.
The project forms part of the Bruce Highway upgrade through Wide Bay. This includes the $1 billion Gympie bypass, the $335.8 million four-lane Tiaro bypass, and the $103 million Maryborough to Torbanlea upgrade, which is 80 per cent funded by the federal government, with $20.1 million being contributed to the Tinana overtaking lanes project.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Queensland State Government was committed to delivering important safety upgrades like this, as part of the record $27.5 billion roads and transport plan.
“The Bruce Highway is a key connector up the coast of Queensland, especially for regional communities and industries,” Bailey said.
Works will typically be undertaken Monday to Saturday between 6am and 6pm, however there may be some periods when nightworks are required from Sunday to Thursday between 7pm and 5am.
More details on the project can be found here.