A $662.5m upgrade to an 11km section of highway is closer to completion, after a milestone was reached in time for the holidays rush.
The project, between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163) at Elimbah, is expected to be completed early next year.
Three lanes on the northbound section are now operational, offering a smoother traffic flow just in time for the holidays. The third lane of the southbound carriageway will open in early 2024.
The raised speed limit of 110km/hr on the upgraded section is expected to streamline travel and improve commuters’ trips.
Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said travel would be more efficient between Brisbane and the southern Sunshine Coast.
“Extra lanes on the Bruce Highway are a real game changer for Caloundra, especially when you add in the new Bells Creek Arterial Road,” he said via a state government media release.
“Between the Bruce Highway Upgrade and Bells Creek Arterial Road, more people can get to Caloundra this summer, faster.”
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Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick said the project would make a significant difference to commuters.
“An extra lane up to the southern end of the Steve Irwin Way means less congestion and quicker travel times for people travelling to the beautiful Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“Queensland is attracting more interstate migrants than any other state or territory and we need to build infrastructure like this to support that growth.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish was delighted a project milestone could be reached.
“With recent wet weather, crews had to work hard to get the third northbound lane open before Christmas,” he said.
“It’s a great outcome for motorists, with increased capacity and upgraded flood immunity in time for what is traditionally a very busy time on the roads.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm said thousands of daily motorists would benefit.
“As more people choose to call this wonderful area home, that means more cars on our roads,” he said.
The project is funded with $530 million from the Australian Government and $132.5 million from the Queensland Government. The investment is estimated to support an average of 664 direct jobs over the life of the project.
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