The Queensland Budget has promised even more funding into the Bruce Highway, with two new projects due to start this week.
A historic $9 billion deal with the federal government has paved the way for a major overhaul of the Bruce Highway, restoring the traditional 80:20 funding split that the previous state government had been unable to secure.
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Transport and main roads minister Brent Mickelberg says the funding injection would help tackle some of the highway’s most dangerous stretches.
“Our Budget is delivering upgrades for the Bruce Highway with rubber hitting the road on projects,” he says.
“Unlike the former Labor Government, we’re not just talking about fixing the Bruce Highway — we’re doing it.
“Within three months of coming into government we secured an 80:20 funding split with the Federal Labor Government to fund vital upgrades to the Bruce Highway — something the former state Labor Government had given up on.
“Now we have locked in $412 million for this upcoming financial year, to continue rolling out safety upgrades where they’re needed most — widening lanes, improving intersections, and building new rest areas to save lives.”
The $412 million allocation for 2025/26 kickstarts the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, which focuses on reducing run-off-road and head-on crashes, which are the two most common causes of fatalities along the route.
Key safety measures include wide centre line treatments and audio-tactile line marking to reduce the risk of vehicles straying out of lanes.
Construction is already underway on five priority projects, including three at Bauple north of Gympie, a new rest area at Curra, and road strengthening works near Hencamp Creek between Townsville and Ingham.
The Hencamp Creek project is nearing completion, while two new projects near Townsville are scheduled to commence in the coming week.
To ensure the upgrades are delivered efficiently and to high standards, the Government has established a dedicated Program Management Office and is recruiting 150 new frontline staff, including engineers, project managers, and safety specialists.
Mickelberg says the investments were part of a broader push to future-proof Queensland’s transport network.
“This is a Budget that backs Queenslanders, investing in safer roads, stronger communities, and a transport network that supports our growing State — and we’re doing it while having respect for taxpayers’ money,” he says.
This year’s Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) includes a record $42 billion over four years for road and transport projects across the state, with the Bruce Highway upgrades forming a significant part of the plan to boost safety and capacity ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.
