This week work on a number of important safety upgrades along the Bruce Highway between St Arnauds Creek and Bajool gets underway – underscoring the Gillard and Bligh Labor governments’ shared commitment to building a better, safer road.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the project will widen the Roberts Road intersection; replace the guard rail on 6 Mile Creek Bridge; resurface the Port Alma Road intersection and install a wire rope barrier.

“Worth $1.2 million, these improvements are amongst many being delivered with funding from our Bruce Highway Safety Package, the first ever program dedicated to improving driving conditions along this important road,” said Mr Albanese.

“Labor has long recognised the Bruce Highway’s significance to the communities living up and down the Queensland coast – and after more than a decade of neglect we’re determined to make it a much safer road.

“All up, the Gillard Labor Government has put in place a record $2.8 billion capital works program which right now involves hundreds of workers onsite rebuilding 158 kilometres of the Bruce Highway. By comparison the former Howard Government spent just $1.2 billion during its twelve long years in office.”

The fully Federally-funded Bruce Highway Safety Package is already fixing more than 80 dangerous black spots, building 50 extra overtaking lanes and delivering 25 new or refurnished rest stops.

Queensland Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said Bellero Constructions has been engaged to undertake the work and once completed in September/October, users of the highway south of Bajool can look forward to better, safer driving conditions.

“Keeping the local community, truck drivers and visitors to the region safe is a priority, with these new measures going a long way to making the Bruce Highway a better road,” said Mr Wallace.

“To ensure the safe of road workers, speed restrictions have been implemented and motorists should expect minor delays.”

Attached is a map showing the major upgrades expected to be completed by 2014.