Work is ramping up to deliver a $103 million upgrade of the Bruce Highway near Aldershot, with two new bridges to be built at Saltwater Creek and Deadmans Gully.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the jointly funded $103 million project will upgrade the bridges and flood-ways near Aldershot to reduce the impact of flooding between Maryborough and Torbanlea.

“These upgrades will provide flood immunity for a one-in-100-year flood, keeping traffic flowing and communities and emergency services connected even during times of crisis,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“This announcement is another example of Llew O’Brien and Keith Pitt’s advocacy delivering for the people of this region, securing funding for the infrastructure they need and deserve.

“It’s also the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan in action, delivering on our commitment to securing the nation’s recovery and keeping our communities safe.

“The Federal Government is investing over $10 billion in a safer, smoother and more reliable Bruce Highway for the over half of all Queenslanders, from Brisbane right through to Cairns, who rely on this key north-south route.”

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the project was one of hundreds being delivered under the jointly funded $13 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.

“We’re making excellent progress on the pipeline of projects up and down the Bruce Highway, with 154 projects in delivery, including 48 under construction right now,” Mr Bailey said.

“That pipeline gives local workers and businesses certainty that funding will continue to flow into their local economies and is an important part of Queensland’s Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“With the $1 billion Gympie Bypass moving ahead, increased funding locked in to build four lanes for the Tiaro Bypass and now works starting at Saltwater Creek, locals in Gympie and the Wide Bay Region will benefit from significant improvements to the highway.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the project would improve flood immunity on the Bruce Highway by building the new bridges and upgrading four floodways between Maryborough and Torbanlea.

“This section of the Bruce Highway has poor flood immunity and has faced lengthy closures during significant rainfall events, so this important upgrade will help ensure traffic and freight can keep moving during wet weather,” Mr Pitt said.

“This will strengthen the resilience of our national highway, and ensure that passengers and freight movements can avoid disruptions, which has a significant impact on the local economy and particularly the horticulture and cane industries.

“I thank motorists for their patience during construction, and look forward to the project being completed as we work to rebuild our local economy.”

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien said the upgrade would help keep communities connected during natural disasters, improve general safety, and create jobs for the region.

“We have suffered regular wet-weather closures and delays on this part of the highway, most notably during the 2013 floods when the Bruce Highway was closed for nearly 31 hours due to flooding at Saltwater Creek Bridge, which put a significant strain on essential services and delayed the recovery period,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The Bruce Highway is a lifeline during natural disasters, and a better highway also builds a stronger economy and supports jobs.

“I’ll keep fighting for every dollar I can get to make sure the Bruce Highway is as safe as possible, and meets the needs of motorists, local communities, businesses and industry to ensure our region can thrive into the future.”

Queensland Assistant Minister for Regional Roads and State Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the Saltwater Creek upgrade would support 286 direct jobs.

“Work is also underway on the $20 million Bruce Highway upgrade at Childers, as well as $43 million worth of targeted safety upgrades on the highway between Gin Gin and Miriam Vale,” Mr Saunders said.

“These projects aren’t just making the highway safer, more flood resilient and less congested, they are also supporting our local economy.

“They mean local jobs and opportunities are being supported not just for construction workers, but also local businesses and suppliers that can sub-contract to large projects like these.”

The project is expected to be completed by late 2023, weather and construction conditions permitting.

The $103 million project is jointly funded with the Australian Government contributing $82.4 million and the Queensland Government funding $20.6 million.

The Bruce Highway Upgrade Program (BHUP) is the largest road infrastructure program currently underway in Queensland, supporting regional economic growth and boosting employment opportunities.

For more information, visit the project webpage at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/bruce-highway-saltwater-creek-bridge-upgrade or contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 1300 728 390 or email bundaberg.office@tmr.qld.gov.au.