Bruce Highway widening upgrade south of Torbanlea completed

Motorists will enjoy safer driving conditions on the Bruce Highway following the completion of a project to widen a section of the highway adjacent to Wongi State Forest, south of Torbanlea.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the $7.1 million project had created a major increase in the separation distance between vehicles travelling in opposite directions for 2.2 kilometres.

“Widening this section of the highway has allowed a wide centre line treatment to be put in place which improves drivers’ chances of avoiding a crash should they stray out of their lanes,” Mr Truss said.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the treatment was recently recognised at the 2015 Australasian Road Safety Conference as a highly effective means of reducing the number of serious road crashes.

“The Coalition Government is committed to building a safer Bruce Highway and we are continuing to provide funding to roll out this important safety treatment along the length of the highway,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Bruce Highway is the major artery connecting Queensland’s coastal communities and the economic centres between Brisbane and Cairns. It is the single most important piece of infrastructure for the people of my electorate.

“Without it, Hinkler residents wouldn’t be able to get their products to market, visit loved ones or evacuate during an emergency. It also enables tourists to visit our great region.”   

Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey said the works are an example of what can be achieved when governments work together to deliver improved safety on Queensland roads.

“An added bonus was that an average of 22 direct jobs were supported over the life of the project,” Mr Bailey said.

The project was completed on budget and ahead of schedule by local contractor, Sunstate Group Queensland.

The works were jointly funded, with the Australian Government providing $5.7 million and the Queensland Government $1.4 million.