The 14,500 motorists that use the northbound lanes of the Bruce Highway between Maroochydore and Andreasens roads on the Sunshine Coast everyday will soon enjoy safer and smoother driving conditions.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace today announced that Allens Asphalt Pty Ltd has been awarded an $8.6 million contract to repair and upgrade this section of Highway.

“This project is what the Rudd Labor Government’s Nation Building for Recovery strategy is all about. It will put 94 Australians to work building the infrastructure vital to our nation’s long term economic prosperity,” said Mr Albanese.

“The Bruce Highway is a key part of the national road network – and that’s why we’ve lifted our investment in it to an unprecedented $2.6 billion.”

The work to be undertaken on the Highway between Maroochydore and Andreasens roads is part of the Federally-funded $35 million Nambour Bypass Reconstruction project.

Mr Wallace said the Highway’s northbound lanes would undergo pavement rehabilitation and asphalt overlay work, with the project expected to start in coming weeks and be finished by early 2010, weather permitting.

“To keep disruptions to a minimum the work will be undertaken at night, with motorists travelling north diverted onto the southbound carriageway via temporary crossovers. Motorists travelling south will be merged into one lane,” said Mr Wallace.

“While these temporary arrangements are in place I would urge motorists to drive carefully, be patient and follow the instructions of police and traffic controllers.”

The two-way traffic arrangement will be in place on the southbound carriageway between 6pm and 6am on Sunday to Friday. All lanes of the Bruce Highway will be reinstated during the day with some speed restrictions in place.

For further information, contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 5482 0333.