A key Queensland freight route has had parts of its upgrades open to traffic
The federal government has announced the Bruce Highway upgrade at the Deception Bay Road interchange has reached another milestone this week with the upgraded northbound entry ramp now open to traffic.
The jointly funded $163.3 million upgrade will improve the highway with works on track for completion early next year, weather and construction conditions permitting.
The project includes building two new parallel bridges over the Bruce Highway, upgrading two signalised intersections on Deception Bay Road, increasing the length and capacity of existing entry and exit ramps, and providing active transport facilities for people walking and riding.
The existing heavy vehicle weighbridge facility will also be relocated with a new facility accessible via the upgraded interchange.
Major construction on the $163.3 million, Deception Bay interchange upgrade started in November 2020.
The project is jointly funded, with the federal government contributing $130.64 million and the Queensland government contributing $32.66 million.
“The opening of the upgraded northbound entry ramp is another step towards completing this major upgrade, which will make it safer and quicker for motorists to get home,” federal transport minister Catherine King says.
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“This longer, wider entry ramp includes a new, 90-metre-long bridge over Little Burpengary Creek, and improves connectivity and travel times for motorists heading north.
“It is part of the 15-year, $13 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program which is aimed at improving safety, flood resilience and capacity along the highway between Brisbane and Cairns.”
Queensland transport minister Mark Bailey says: “Having opened the first bridge over the highway in March, the opening of this northbound entry ramp is another huge achievement for the project.”
“Motorists can see works are well underway to build the new second bridge over the highway, which will be another major milestone.”