Deal done for $163 million upgrade

Work on the $163.3 million upgrade, which will transform the Deception Bay Road/Bruce Highway interchange, is to start within weeks.

Transport and Main Roads (TMR) today announced the contract has been awarded to BMD Constructions and released the first artist’s impressions of the new road plan.

The $163.3 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments through an 80:20 funding arrangement and is expected to be completed in early 2023.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said it was part of the $12.6 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.

“We are investing in our future beyond COVID-19 by delivering lasting infrastructure which will kick-start our economic recovery and benefit Australians for years to come and this project is a perfect example of that,” says the Deputy Prime Minister. 

Hundreds of jobs

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the upgrade is part of the state’s $3.13 billion to roads and transport program, including $662 million Bruce Highway upgrade from Caboolture to Steve Irwin Way.

“The interchange upgrade will support 270 direct jobs – from design through to delivery – and once complete, will tackle congestion and safety for the thousands of small businesses and families who use the interchange every day.”

Business boost

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said the Bruce Highway was a major freight transport corridor and increasing the road capacity would deliver industries greater efficiency transporting goods and produce to and from markets.

“The new overpass is welcomed by Deception Bay residents as it will reduce travel time for small and family businesses and help people crossing the highway from Narangba, Burpengary East and Deception Bay,” Mr Howarth.

“Anyone who knows the existing bridge, that is decades old, knows that it is in urgent need of an upgrade and as the Federal Member who fought to get this funding, I am very happy that it is now becoming a reality.”

Cutting queues

State Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting said the upgrade would include two new parallel bridges over the highway, plus upgrades to intersections east and west of the interchange.

“Right now, drivers are getting stuck during those peak hours along the two-lane bridge,” Mr Whiting said.

“Getting the interchange upgraded is needed first so we can then turn our attention to duplicating the remaining section of Deception Bay Road.”

Longer ramps

State Member for Kurwongbah Shane King said work to relocate water, power and telecommunications infrastructure was already done.

“I’m pleased the upgrade crews will build long on-and-off-ramps plus new metering signals to balance that demand as drivers move onto the highway,” he says.

“For our cyclists, pedestrians and truck drivers there will also be new pathways and an increased height for the new bridges so tall trucks and vehicles don’t need to detour.”

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