Second contract works about to start on Section D Bruce Highway upgrade

Work is about to start on the second major construction contract for the $1 billion Bruce Highway Cooroy to Curra Section D upgrade, Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announced today.

CPB Contractors will start work this month on the 18km, four-lane dual carriageway between Sandy Creek Road, Veteran, and the new Curra interchange, and drivers are urged to take care due to changed road conditions.

“From late May, construction will start on a new dedicated right-turn lane for northbound traffic to turn right into Harvey Siding Road, and the existing southbound overtaking lane will be removed to provide room for those works,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This is being done to make the intersection safer for all road users, as there will be a temporary increase in traffic turning right into Harvey Siding Road during construction of the Section D project.

“While this new turning lane is being built, the speed limit will be reduced to 80km/h and temporary safety barriers will be installed for Bruce Highway traffic.

“I encourage all road users to please pay attention to the changed conditions be alert to road workers, and follow traffic control directions.”

Five local roads will also be realigned and upgraded as part of Contract 2, including Tamaree, Bannister, Bradys, Ashfords and Harvey Siding roads, as well as creek diversions at Banks and Tamaree creeks, and the construction of 19 bridges.

“While I understand there is some inconvenience caused during roadworks, this is a vitally important project that will save lives on our national highway, and in the long-term, will open up Wide Bay’s economy for generations to come,” Mr O’Brien said.

When complete, Contract 2 section will connect with the Contract 1 section being delivered by the Bielby BMD Joint Venture, which runs from Woondum to Sandy Creek Road.

“Work on Contract 1 is already well underway and the goal is to have all the works for both contracts complete at the same time, so we can open the new, safer, four-lane Gympie Bypass in mid-2024, weather permitting,” Mr O’Brien said.

“I thank all drivers for taking care and extending courtesy to other road users, traffic management and construction crews while this major infrastructure project is carried out.

“As work on both of these contracts progresses, we’re creating much-needed local jobs in construction and we’re getting closer to the safe, four-lane Bruce Highway that our region needs for future growth and prosperity.”

During construction, this project is expected to support approximately 576 direct jobs.

The $1 billion C2CD project is jointly funded with the Australian Government contributing $800 million and the Queensland Government $200 million.