Major upgrades are coming to the Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway in north Brisbane, after a significant design and construction contract was awarded.
The Gateway to Bruce Upgrade (G2BU) is set to address long-standing congestion and safety issues on one of north Brisbane’s busiest transport corridors, and improve connectivity for commuters travelling between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
The project combines the delivery of the $1 billion Gateway Motorway, Bracken Ridge to Pine River upgrade and the $948 million Bruce Highway (Brisbane to Gympie) Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road upgrade (Stage 1).
The works are jointly funded, with the federal government investing more than $1.5 billion and the state government investing $389.6 million.
The upgrade involves providing additional lanes on the Gateway Motorway, improving the motorway curve at Bracken Ridge and upgrades to the Bruce Highway interchange with Gateway Motorway and Gympie Arterial Road, south of the Pine River.
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The contract has been awarded to Gateway Connect Joint Venture (GCJV) – a partnership between CPB, BMD and Georgiou, with designers GHD and BG&E.
With significant population growth driving increased travel demand, traffic volumes through this corridor are expected to rise by around 50 per cent by 2041.
About 160,000 vehicles travel daily between the Moreton Bay Region and north Brisbane via the Gateway Motorway, Bruce Highway and Gympie Arterial Road.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the federal government was backing the Bruce.
“This is a big investment in easing congestion in our communities and growing the Queensland economy,” he said.
“It will better connect the Bruce Highway and the Gateway Motorway and that will deliver big benefits for Brisbane.
“As a Queenslander, I know how important the Bruce is to our state.
“The Bruce transports people, goods and opportunities and links local communities and economies right around regional Queensland.
“As Treasurer and as a Queenslander I’m especially proud of the billions we’ve found to back the Bruce.”
Federal Minister for Transport Catherine King said the project would support growing traffic demands and improve safety on the national highway.
“We are committed to bolstering the economy in Queensland through strategic infrastructure investment,” she said.
“This commitment by the Australian Government will greatly benefit freight movement, local and regional commuters and holiday makers.
“Without additional capacity, this vital section of the national highway will face longer periods of heavy congestion.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the upgrades would deliver real benefits for communities across Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast.
“Traffic comes to standstill on this section every morning and afternoon,” he said.
“We’re taking action. This is a real plan backed by real investment, to tackle congestion on this notorious stretch of road.
“The upgrade is about reducing travel times for motorists travelling between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast and helping those heading to the airport or back home to Moreton Bay.
“The Gateway to Bruce Upgrade is a prime example of how we’re investing to deliver for Queenslanders and making a real difference in their lives.”
