The Hon Michael McCormack MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
Leader of The Nationals
Federal Member for Riverina
The Hon Michelle Landry MP
Assistant Minister for Children and Families
Assistant Minister for Northern Australia
Federal Member for Capricornia
The Hon Mark Bailey MP
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads
State Member for Miller
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Motorists are set to benefit from increased overtaking opportunities on the Bruce Highway between Rockhampton and Marlborough, following the completion of new $10.9 million overtaking lanes at Plentiful Creek.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Michael McCormack said the overtaking lanes north of Rockhampton were a significant safety investment in the Central Queensland road network.
“The Bruce Highway is Queensland’s major north-south freight and commuter corridor and the Australian Government is committed to improving road safety standards, as well as boosting connections and efficiency across the national road network,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This project has delivered targeted safety and productivity-boosting improvements to this key section of highway, marking another step forward in supporting future growth and prosperity in the region.
“We are continuing to roll out these types of major projects across the nation under our $110 billion infrastructure investment pipeline, which is laying the foundations for economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said work started in April 2020 and stretched over a kilometre in length.
“I thank the 3,200 motorists who travelled through our work zones each day for the past eight months for their patience, as this important project was completed,” Minister Bailey said.
“In addition to providing new overtaking lanes, this section was widened to accommodate wide centre line treatment and new roadside barriers.
“One of the simple but effective ways of making the Bruce Highway safer is by widening the distance between oncoming traffic and I am pleased this upgrade was included as part of these works.
“Wide centre lines were introduced in Queensland in 2010 and data indicates a 50 per cent reduction in head-on casualty crashes on the Bruce Highway where the safety treatment has been implemented.
“The Central Queensland economy received a vital boost with an average of 31 direct jobs supported throughout the life of the project, at a time when jobs are needed most.”
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the project delivered northbound and southbound overtaking lanes at Plentiful Creek.
“The Bruce Highway is experiencing continued traffic growth in both directions, resulting in motorists experiencing longer travel times and difficulty overtaking slower-moving traffic,” Ms Landry said.
“The new overtaking lanes will provide safer passing opportunities, as well as centreline widening, new drains and signs and redesigned roadside vegetation to improve visibility for drivers.
“While this project focused on improving safety, it also supported jobs and the local economy, which is more important now than ever as we help workers and the broader community through the economic challenges associated with COVID-19.”
The new overtaking lanes at Plentiful Creek are fully funded by the Australian Government through the $308.73 million Bruce Highway Overtaking Lanes Package, as part of the jointly funded $12.6 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.
