A $662 million upgrade of the Bruce Highway between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane is officially complete.
More than 600 workers were involved in delivering improvements along an 11km stretch, which included upgrades to interchanges and exit ramps.
Motorists between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road at Caboolture and Steve Irwin Way at Elimbah are now saving time on their trips and travelling even safer on the state’s longest and busiest highway.
More than 65,000 vehicles on average travel the section of highway each day.
Ten new higher, wider and safer bridges were also built to withstand a one-in-100-year flood.
A state government press release said this was put to the test during heavy rainfall in February that could have closed the highway at King Johns Creek if the new structure there had not been built.
Related story: Extra lanes added as part of highway ramp changes
Sections of the upgraded 11km roadway have opened progressively to motorists since 2022.
The project was jointly funded by Australian and Queensland governments, with the federal government committing $530 million.
Premier Steven Miles said the project was part of his government’s goal to build a better Bruce Highway.
“More than 600 tradies, apprentices and trainees worked hard to bring this 11-kilometre upgrade to life, which is already making a difference to the more than 65,000 drivers who drive it each day,” he said.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the upgrade would improve safety for drivers.
“We’re focused on getting people to their destinations safer and sooner on the Bruce Highway,” she said.
“Local commuters, heavy vehicle operators and holidaymakers alike are enjoying the benefits as we continue to roll out significant works and plan for future upgrades in South-East Queensland.”
Member for Pumicestone Ali King said the official completion of work would be welcome news for motorists.
“Extra lanes on this section of the Bruce will be a game-changer for locals – this will help ease congestion and provide a quicker, safer journey for commuters and travellers now and well into the future,” she said.
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