$9 Billion Bruce Highway Upgrades to Boost Safety Standards

7 Jan Blog

The Federal Government has committed $9 billion to urgently upgrade Queensland’s Bruce Highway, aiming to raise safety standards to a minimum three-star rating. Priority sections include stretches from Maryborough to Benaraby, Rockhampton to St Lawrence, and Bowen to Townsville. Currently, much of the highway north of Gympie has a two-star rating, with fatal crash rates significantly higher than comparable highways in New South Wales and Victoria.

Planned improvements include safety barriers, wider centre lines, tactile markings, and additional overtaking lanes, transforming the highway into a safer and more reliable route for freight, tourism, and local traffic. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised the importance of these upgrades, noting, “The Bruce Highway plays a critical role for Queenslanders, tourists, and freight.”

This investment will bring the Bruce Highway in line with other major national roads and address its critical safety concerns. Federal Minister Catherine King stated, “Increasing the safety rating from one to three stars delivers the most significant improvements in road safety.” With federal funding covering 80 per cent of costs, this transformative project marks a significant step toward safer journeys across Queensland.