Works Start On Bruce Highway At Gairloch

Photo source: Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli  

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Works are starting on new Bruce Highway upgrades at Gairloch, designed to help reduce the severity of flooding across this section of highway and the occurrence of head-on crashes.

Construction is now underway on two key sections. The Gairloch to Ripple Creek section will widen the road and improve drainage, while the Ingham-Halifax-Bemerside Road and Cardwell Range section will widen the road, with both projects delivering critical safety improvements.

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Under the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program which began last year, 18 projects have been completed, 20 are underway, and 7 are expected to start construction this year, delivering a pipeline of upgrades along the highway between Gympie and Cairns.

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In total, 150 projects are in planning, design, construction or have been completed through the $9 billion investment in the Bruce Highway.

The first stage of works between Gairloch and Ripple Creek is using efficiencies realised under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, while the other works are part of the $1 billion Bruce Highway Safety Package and funded on an 80:20 basis.

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Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the government was getting on with fixing the Bruce.

“We’re serious about bringing it up to the standard it should be and we’ve got shovels in the ground,” Premier Crisafulli said.

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“Upgrading the Bruce at Gairloch has been spoken about for decades, and finally now work is being done.

“We’ve secured a funding deal that respects your money and means more upgrades to make the Bruce safer, stronger and more reliable.”  

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Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the Bruce Highway was vital for local passengers.

“The Bruce Highway is a critical connection for North Queensland communities, freight operators, businesses and visitors.

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“The works north of Ingham will help strengthen a section of highway that is frequently impacted by wet weather, providing better connections for local communities and the industries that rely on this important corridor.

“Investing in resilience means investing before disaster strikes, helping communities stay connected to essential services, supporting recovery efforts and reducing the impacts of future natural hazards.”

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Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Road Brent Mickelberg said the start of construction across the Bruce marked an important step towards delivering safer and more reliable journeys.

“With further projects progressing from Gympie to Cairns, a significant program of work is gathering pace across the Bruce Highway,” Minister Mickelberg said.

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“Under the 80:20 funding deal we struck with the Commonwealth – which we were told couldn’t be done – every cent of the $9 billion is being spent upgrading the Bruce Highway between Gympie and Cairns.”  

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State Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the funding would make the Bruce safer for locals and visitors.

"This announcement shows exactly what can be achieved when Hinchinbrook has a strong voice at the Government table. I committed to fighting for the infrastructure our region deserves, and today we're seeing that commitment translate into real investment for North Queensland,” Mr Chiesa said.  

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“Locals know better than anyone just how often this section of road goes underwater. Every wet season, families, businesses and transport operators face uncertainty when this vital link is cut. This investment is about building a safer, more resilient road network that keeps our communities connected when it matters most."

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"This road is among the most flood-prone stretches of highway in Queensland, and the people who live and work here know the challenges that come with that reality. Today's investment demonstrates the Crisafulli Government's commitment to North Queensland and to delivering practical projects that improve safety and reliability for local communities."  

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