NIGHT WORKS AND TRAFFIC CHANGES AT CURRA

Construction is progressing on the Cooroy to Curra, Section D (Gympie bypass) project, and work on the Curra interchange is underway to connect the new four lane Bruce Highway with the existing two lanes at Curra.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien, advised today “the Curra interchange work includes the realignment of Harvey Siding and Ashfords Roads, and over the coming weeks there will be a number of traffic changes that motorists need to be aware of.”

“From today, night works will be underway for 3 weeks to prepare for the opening of these new roads, including line marking, barrier and lighting installation, and asphalt work. These works will be addition to the ongoing day works of sealing, asphalting, landscaping and electrical,” Mr O’Brien said.

“From 5 September, the realigned section of Ashfords Road on the eastern side of the new highway will be open to local traffic only. The new interchange bridge and roundabouts will also open to local traffic and connect the realigned road to Harvey Siding Road.”

Once these new arrangements are in place, the temporary road across the project site between Harvey Siding and Ashfords Roads will permanently close. 

Within a week of the realigned Ashfords Road opening, all Bruce Highway traffic will be transferred onto a new 1.4km section of carriageway on the western side of the existing highway, just north of the interchange. This will allow for work to be carried out on the existing highway and connections into the new highway.

The Ashfords Road and highway traffic changes will take approximately one week to complete.   

“The Gympie bypass is scheduled to open in late 2024, completing the four lane, 26 kilometre realignment of the Bruce Highway between Woondum and Curra which will reduce travel times, improve safety, and increase freight efficiency,” Mr O’Brien said.

“In 2018 the former Coalition Government allocated the $800 million for the Gympie bypass because this section of the Bruce Highway is rated as one of the deadliest along our national highway,” Mr O’Brien said.

“More than 11,000 vehicles travel on this part of the Bruce Highway every day and when completed, the Gympie bypass will eliminate eight sets of traffic lights and deliver four lanes along this new corridor to support the safe and efficient movement of cars and trucks, even when the Mary River floods.”