Bruce Highway

The Australian Government is seeking tenders for the A$624m ($480m) Cooroy to Curra Section C project of Queensland’s Bruce Highway.

Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott said: "The Bruce Highway is Queensland’s transport lifeline. It is the gateway to northern Australia.

"This upgrade is essential for Queensland and for Australia to remain prosperous and meet the challenges and opportunities of the future."

As part of the works, the highway between Woondum Road and the Six Mile Creek rest area will be upgraded and will be delivered in advance of further major works to come.

"This upgrade is essential for Queensland and for Australia to remain prosperous and meet the challenges and opportunities of the future." 

The early works also involve widening the existing highway in addition to building a raised median to separate opposing directions of traffic.

Australia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said upgrading the highway is a major pillar of the Australian Government’s infrastructure investment plan with $6.7bn committed towards upgrades.

"When completed, the Cooroy to Curra Section C will deliver a safer, less congested section of highway, with a greatly improved capacity to move freight more efficiently along the coast."

At the Keefton Road and Six Mile Creek rest area intersections right and left-turn lanes will be built to provide protection for turning vehicles.

The Gold Nugget service station will get better access when protected entry lanes for north and southbound traffic are built.

Queensland member for Gympie Tony Perrett said: "The Cooroy to Curra Section C project will see the Bruce Highway realigned and duplicated between the Traveston Interchange and the proposed Woondum Interchange north of Woondum Road."

Expected to start in early 2016, works on the project are are being jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments, with contributions of $499.4m and $124.9m respectively.

Image: The Bruce Highway in Cairns southern suburbs. Photo: courtesy of 04marjes for Wikipedia.