Four new overtaking lanes will improve safety and ease delays for motorists on the federally funded Bruce Highway in north Queensland.

Federal Roads Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said today that CEC Constructions Pty Ltd had been awarded a $4.5 million contract for the work.

“This project is all about improving safety and network efficiency on the federally funded Bruce Highway in north Queensland,’’ Mr Albanese said.

“Four overtaking lanes will be constructed, including 1.65-kilometre northbound and southbound lanes between Damper Creek and Newman Creek, 20 kilometres south of Cardwell.

“Two other overtaking lanes will be provided 15 kilometres south of Ingham including a 1.26-kilometre northbound lane between Yuruga Road and Easter Creek and a 1.58-kilometre southbound lane south of Helens Hill.

“That’s more than six kilometres of new overtaking lanes for motorists using this busy stretch of the Bruce Highway.”

Mr Wallace said the new overtaking lanes would improve safety by providing more overtaking opportunities for road users.

“This project will improve network efficiency by preventing delays.

“More than 4500 vehicles use this busy highway every day, with more than 14 per cent being heavy vehicles.

“This work will improve the efficiency of the road network in north Queensland and make trips safer for motorists.”

Mr Wallace said similar overtaking lanes have just been completed north of Townsville from Surveyors Creek to Balgal Beach, Saunders Beach to Althaus Creek, and Toomulla to Station Creek.