Sunshine Coast Hinterland tourism operators have tipped an increase in tourist traffic, thanks to a $662.5 million upgrade of the Bruce Highway,
The upgrade, which includes widening an 11km stretch from four to six lanes, is part of the Australian Government’s $110 billion 10-year Building Our Future infrastructure investment plan.
Hinterland Tourism President Kerry Brown said interstate visitors arriving at Brisbane Airport would be “more inclined to visit the region if they could hit the highway for a quick trip to a desirable and peaceful destination”.
Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook.
“The self-drive holiday market is extremely important to the Sunshine Coast and the Hinterland,” Ms Brown said.
“The funding to widen the Bruce Highway is vital in that it helps tourists and people from the city escape to the peace and tranquility that the Hinterland region offers.
“Most tourism services and operators in the Hinterland are family-owned and operated businesses that rely on the self-drive market having easy access to the region. Upgrades like these will help sustain our local tourism.”
The project includes upgrading creek crossings to improve flood immunity at Lagoon, King Johns, Six Mile, Un-named and Beerburrum Creeks.
Help us deliver more stories by subscribing to our free daily news feed: Go to SUBSCRIBE at top of this article to register.
The Bruce Highway Upgrade – Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163) project was identified as one of three priority projects during the planning for future upgrades to the Bruce Highway, between Pine River and Caloundra Road.
Construction of the project will take around three years with an expected completion date in early 2023, weather and construction conditions permitting.
The project will be constructed in sections.
Section one, from Caboolture -Bribie Island Road to Pumicestone Road started in November, and section two from Pumicestone Road to Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163) is scheduled to start by mid-2021.
The project is expected to
- Reduce the number and severity of crashes, improving safety
- Increase traffic flow, reducing travel time for current and future residents of the growing region
- Improve flood immunity, making it easier for tourists and locals to access and travel around the hinterland.
Project features
- Upgrading creek crossings with new three or four lane bridges to improve flood resilience at Lagoon, King Johns, Six Mile, Un-named and Beerburrum Creeks.
- Two extra lanes (one in each direction) between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road interchange and Steve Irwin Way interchange (Exit 163). Three and a half metre shoulders and barriers to improve driver safety.
- Caboolture-Bribie Island Road interchange modifications to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion.
- Northbound exit ramp separation for Caboolture- Bribie Island Road and D’Aguilar Highway interchange into two consecutive exit ramps to improve traffic navigation and flow.
- Provision for smart technologies including ramp signals, variable speed limit and message signs, vehicle detection systems and CCTV cameras to improve driving conditions.
