Bruce Highway Upgrades Accelerate With 22 New Contracts Released

Major safety upgrades along Queensland’s Bruce Highway are continuing to gather pace, with 22 new contracts released under the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program.

The latest package includes five construction procurement and 17 design contracts, covering key sections of the highway between Gympie and Cairns. Works will deliver more than 100 kilometres of wide centre line treatments, 50 kilometres of pavement strengthening and overtaking lanes, and five narrow bridge upgrades in North Queensland.

The program, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 basis, is already underway, with eight projects completed, 17 in progress and a further 13 construction projects set to roll out in 2026.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the latest contracts marked significant progress.

“This latest activity signals significant progress in delivering the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program,” Minister King said.

“The Australian Government is proud to be funding 80 per cent of this $9 billion program, because improving safety on the Bruce Highway will help save lives and support the communities and industries that rely on this critical route.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the State Government was focused on delivering safer roads.

“The Government is getting on with the job of delivering safer roads for Queensland,” Minister Mickelberg said.

“We’re keeping the momentum up with 22 new contracts moving to market to boost safety along the Bruce Highway.

“We told Queenslanders we are committed to fixing the Bruce and works are already making a real difference for motorists, regional communities and freight operators between Gympie and Cairns."

Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm said the investment would benefit communities along the entire corridor.

“The Government is delivering record investment to build a better Bruce Highway for Queenslanders,” Senator Chisholm said.

“From here in Burdekin and all the way up to Cairns, we are accelerating the delivery of intersection upgrades, rest area improvements, wide centre line treatments and pavement strengthening.

“These works will make a real difference for drivers, freight operators and regional Queenslanders, and form part of a long-term pipeline of upgrades that will squarely benefit the people who live here.”

Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Nita Green said the upgrades were critical for regional connectivity.

“Regional Queenslanders know just how critical the Bruce Highway is for connecting our communities, supporting our industries and getting people home – these upgrades will help ensure safety,” Senator Green said.

“The Government is connecting and protecting the Queenslanders who drive the Bruce every day.”

State Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the investment was focused on regional needs.

“With every dollar in this program invested outside the South East Corner, we are building the infrastructure regional Queensland needs to support our growing population,” Mr Last said.

“We said we would deliver an upgraded Bruce Highway in an 80:20 split with the Commonwealth, and we are getting on with delivering it.”

State Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the upgrades would improve safety for all road users.

“These upgrades represent a major boost for North Queensland,” Mr Chiesa said.

“Strengthening the Bruce Highway means safer trips for locals and visitors alike, and it’s great to see real investment backing the growth of our region and helping keep people safe.”

Contractors are expected to be appointed progressively from April 2026, with construction to follow as the program continues to expand.

CAPTION: The $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program will deliver major safety upgrades along Queensland’s Bruce Highway. Photo supplied.

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