Bruce Highway Upgrade Program

Over the years, the program received additional funding commitments. In May 2018, the Australian Government committed an additional $3.3 billion (based on 80:20 funding arrangements) to its existing $6.7 billion commitment. Furthermore, the Queensland Government committed an additional $200 million annually, on top of the initial $1.8 billion they had already provided, following an 80:20 funding arrangement.

In 2022, a jointly funded boost of $883 million was introduced specifically to target upgrades to various sections of the Bruce Highway, including areas between Gladstone and Rockhampton, Mackay and Proserpine, north of Townsville, and the Tiaro Bypass.

Overall, the program will deliver $13 billion of works over a 15-year period, spanning from 2013–14 to 2027–28.

To ensure proper management and oversight, the Queensland Government established the Bruce Highway Trust Advisory Council. This council is responsible for developing a 15-year Vision and three 5-year rolling Action Plans, along with the Safer Bruce 2030 Action Plan, on this nationally significant link to:

• unlock economic growth
• boost employment
• build flood resilience and
• improve safety.

The Bruce Highway Trust Advisory Council is supported by a Technical Working Group established within the department comprising technical and subject-matter experts.

Highlights at the 10-year mark

As the 10-year mark (1 July 2023), approximately 64% of total $13 billion program has been successfully delivered, in accordance with set delivery targets. The Bruce Highway Upgrade Program is on track with the delivery to date of: 

• 109 new bridges
• 63 new and upgraded rest areas
• 420km roadside safety barriers
• 72 township entry treatments
• 235km wide centre line treatments
• 102km pavement rehabilitation
• 95 new overtaking lanes
• 189 protected right-hand turns
• 42km of highway duplication
• 7 flood immunity upgrade projects completed.

About the Bruce Highway

The Bruce Highway is a crucial transportation route in Queensland, serving as the major north-south freight and commuter corridor, connecting various coastal population centres from Brisbane to Cairns over a total length of 1,673km. It plays a vital role in the National Land Transport Network linking west-east freight networks, connecting resource sectors, inland agriculture production areas, and coastal ports, while also serving as a major tourism route.

About the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program

The Bruce Highway Upgrade focuses on the 3 priority areas during its 15-year course:

• Safety improvements these measures aim to enhance the safety of the highway by implementing wide centre line treatments, intersection improvements, and safety barriers to reduce the risk of fatal and serious injury crashes for all road users.
• Flood improvements by raising bridges and approaches and enhancing flood immunity on sections of the highway that are subject to frequent flooding. Whilst it may not be feasible at this time to provide an entirely flood-free route, roads are assessed to ensure a consistent standard is provided for that specific network link.
• Capacity improvements to enhance economic opportunity through improved level of service on the highway. This is achieved through capacity improvement projects, including additional lanes, managed motorways, grade separation (separation of different flows of using physical means), and intersection upgrades.

Plan ahead in case of delays

As with any major construction program, there might be delays that could affect travel. Therefore, it is advised to plan ahead and check for up-to-date details on QLDTraffic to help you plan your journey.