Ready to roll on $163m upgrade

Published 9:56am 11 November 2020

Machinery has arrived to start work on the Bruce Highway and New Settlement Rd/Deception Bay Road interchange upgrade.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Director-General Neil Scales says improving the interchange will make it quicker and safer for residents, visitors and businesses.

Two bridges

“The existing two-lane bridge at Deception Bay Road, over the highway, experiences heavy congestion during peak periods,” Mr Scales says.

“The interchange upgrade will improve traffic flow by replacing the existing bridge with two new, wider and longer bridges, plus longer and wider entry and exit ramps, and two upgraded, signalised intersections on Deception Bay Road.

“Metering signals will be installed at entry ramps to balance traffic demands with capacity as traffic enters the highway. New infrastructure for pedestrians and bike riders will also be included to safely cross the Bruce Highway and connect better to local paths.”

The $163.3 million project, part of the 15-year $12.6 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, is expected to support around 270 jobs and be completed in 2023.

Long overdue

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth says: “I’m pleased to see the State Government has finally begun construction on the Deception Bay Road Overpass, it’s long overdue and it will make a huge difference to locals who commute”.

Federal Member for Longman Terry Young adds: “We need to upgrade the interchange so we can support the economy and productivity and get people home sooner and safer”.

Joint funding

The upgrade is jointly funded by the Federal and State governments through an 80:20 funding arrangement. The Fedeal Government is contributing $130.64 million and the State Government $32.66 million.

“Through this program, the Australian Government is investing massively to improve safety, flood resilience and capacity along the full length of the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cairns,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack says.

“It is the largest infrastructure program in Queensland and is delivering many vital projects such as the congestion-busting, job-creating New Settlement Rd/Deception Bay Rd interchange upgrade, which is expected to support an average of 270 direct jobs throughout its life.”