A MAJOR upgrade of an important stretch of the Bruce Highway near Aldershot has been completed one year ahead of schedule.
The Queensland Government said an 11km section of the highway at Saltwater Creek between Maryborough and Torbanlea was upgraded to make it more flood resilient.
NOW READ: Boundary Road extension project officially underway
A new high-level bridge at Deadmans Gully has been constructed on a new alignment to replace the existing crossing.
Completed
Works were completed over the Christmas and New Year period, with speed limits through the area returning to 100km/h.
A total of four floodways north of Saltwater Creek have been upgraded, aiming to reduce the impacts for motorists associated with flood-related highway closures between Maryborough and Torbanlea.
WATCH: Animated flyover of Boundary Road extension shows full extent of project
The $103-million project is jointly funded as part of the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, with the Australia Government contributing $82.41-million and the Queensland Government $20.59-million.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said there is a one per cent chance of the highway being closed due to flooding in any given year.
“We are investing in infrastructure projects that will deliver an immediate economic boost by reducing the potential for social, economic and safety risks associated with flood-related highway closures.”
WATCH: Animated fly through of proposed 16-storey Hervey Bay development
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the early completion of the works was testament to the dedication of the teams on the ground.
“It’s holidaymakers heading up and down the coast who will now reap the safety benefits this upgrade has afforded, as will local residents and workers,” Mr Bailey said.
Trains
“This stretch connects to the future location of our Queensland made Train Manufacturing hub in Torbanlea, so it will be getting a workout sure enough.”
Member for Maryborough and Assistant Minister for Regional Roads Bruce Saunders said the upgrades were delivering hope.
“I saw first-hand, as did our community, the effects of flooding cutting off the Bruce Highway.”
The Bruce Highway Upgrade Program is the largest road infrastructure program in Queensland.
It will deliver $13-billion of works over a 15-year period (2013-14 to 2027-28).
It is aimed at improving safety, flood resilience, and capacity along the length and breadth of the highway between Brisbane and Cairns.
The program is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.
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That’s really good news .But what is happening with the 16 story building when will it start construction and what about the 17 story building in Urangan .