$800m for Bruce Highway upgrade

Moreton Bay’s biggest road project has been given an $800 million boost in the 2026-27 Federal Budget, announced last night.

The Australian Government has committed $812.5 million for the Bruce Highway upgrade from the Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road.

Stage two of the overall $2 billion plan to ease congestion from Bracken Ridge to North Lakes, includes two new bridges across the Pine River.

These will be for collector-distributor roads either side of the highway linking Dohles Rocks Road with the Gateway Motorway and Gympie Arterial Road.

There will also be a new shared active transport pathway for bike riders and pedestrians to cross the Pine River.

City of Moreton Bay Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway said it was a win for Council. 

"This funding is a welcome contribution that will ease congestion and supports our many years of advocacy for vital upgrades along this stretch of the Bruce Highway," she said. 

"This lays the groundwork for Council's number one priority - the Bruce Highway Western Alternative.

"Although this critical project has not been given support this year, we look forward to working closely with all levels of Government to realise this in future budgets."

Transport and Main Roads (TMR) says planning for stage two is now complete and preliminary design underway. Detailed design is expected to start mid this year.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Katherine King said last night’s announcement builds on $758.4 million for stage one.

Stage one is to upgrade the Gateway Motorway from Bracken Ridge to the Bruce Highway. This will include a new look for the Gateway curve.

Used by tens of thousands of motorists every day, the Gateway Motorway will drop down and Bracken Ridge be switched above.