Bruce Highway Upgrade- what it means for Moreton Bay residents

 Bruce Highway Upgrade: Pine River Bridge to Caboolture Exit

The Bruce Highway, Queensland’s vital north-south corridor, has long been a lifeline for commuters, freight operators, and tourists. A significant stretch of this highway, from the Pine River Bridge to the Caboolture exit, has undergone substantial upgrades to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and improve flood resilience.

 Project Overview

The $662.5 million upgrade focused on an 11-kilometre section of the Bruce Highway between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163). The project aimed to widen this stretch from four to six lanes, accommodating the growing traffic demands of the region. Key features of the upgrade included:

• Widening of the Highway: Expanding the highway to six lanes to alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow.

• Bridge Upgrades: Enhancing flood immunity by upgrading creek crossings at Lagoon, King Johns, Six Mile, Un-named, and Beerburrum Creeks. Department of Transport and Main Roads

• Interchange Enhancements: Modifying interchange ramps to improve access and safety.

• Smart Motorway Technology: Implementing intelligent traffic management systems to monitor and manage traffic conditions in real-time.

Addressing Flood Resilience

A critical aspect of the upgrade was improving the highway's resilience to flooding. The region has experienced significant flood events in the past, highlighting the need for infrastructure that can withstand such challenges. The upgraded bridges and drainage systems are designed to handle higher water levels, reducing the risk of road closures during adverse weather conditions.

 Enhancing Safety and Traffic Flow

The widening of the highway and the implementation of smart motorway technology have led to improved traffic flow and reduced congestion. These enhancements are expected to decrease travel times and improve safety for all road users. The project also included modifications to interchange ramps, facilitating smoother transitions between the highway and local roads.

 Project Completion and Future Plans

Major construction for the Bruce Highway Upgrade – Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way was completed in April 2024. The project was a collaborative effort between the Australian and Queensland governments, with funding allocated in the 2019-20 Budget. Infrastructure Pipeline

Looking ahead, the Queensland Government has committed $15 million to plan for the upgrade of the Pine River Bridge, indicating ongoing efforts to further enhance the highway's capacity and resilience.