‘Smart’ move to bust highway congestion

A huge part of the Bruce Highway, including the section running through Moreton Bay Region, is to have “smart” upgrades in a move by the Federal Government to bust traffic congestion.

The Federal government has put $84 million in the Smart Motorways program to make the highway from the Gateway Motorway and Caloundra Rd Interchange a “smart” freeway.

Smart Motorways systems can include:

• Ramp signals at highway entry ramps to manage traffic entering the highway
• Variable speed limit signs notifying motorists when speed limits have changed in response to changing road conditions
• Variable message signs to provide information on incidents, available detours, delays and traffic conditions
• CCTV cameras to monitor real-time traffic conditions.

Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said the technology would help bust congestion and reduce travel times on the critical section of the highway.

“Installing this kind of technology will improve traffic flow and motorist safety, particularly during busy peak periods,” Mr Young said.

This is Stage 2 of the Smart Motorways program on this section of the highway.

Six lanes

It will link several Bruce Highway projects including the completed Smart Motorways Stage 1, New Settlement Rd/Deception Bay Rd overpass upgrade and six-laning of the Bruce Highway between Bribie Island Rd and Steve Irwin Way.

“Once delivered, these projects will provide an integrated Smart Motorways solution between the Pine River and Steve Irwin Way to deliver travel benefits including reduced stop-start travel, improved safety and more reliable travel times,” Mr Young said.

Detailed design for the Smart Motorways Stage 2 project is underway, with construction expected to start in early 2022.

The $105 million Smart Motorways Stage 2 project is funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under an 80:20 funding arrangement, with the Australian Government contributing $84 million and the State Government $21 million.

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is responsible for project design and delivery.

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