Next week Civil Mining and Construction Pty Ltd will start work on the $10.4 million stage three upgrade of the Bruce Highway through Gympie.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese said stage three works from Cross Street to Pine Street would make the stretch safer and less congested for motorists.

“We are determined to deliver this vital road project as quickly as possible,” said Mr Albanese.

“The upgrade of the Bruce is what the Rudd Labor Government’s Nation Building for Recovery strategy is all about. It will put 166 Australians to work, over the life of the Bruce Hwy Gympie Upgrade project, building the transport infrastructure vital to the nation’s long term economic prosperity.

“All up, we’re investing $70.8 million to upgrade the Bruce Highway through Gympie from Centro Way to Pine Street, a busy stretch of road that carries approximately 21,000 vehicles a day including 2,700 trucks.”

Stage three works will involve upgrading this section of highway to four lanes including improvements to the Pine, Cross and Jane Street intersections.

New signals will be installed at Cross and Jane streets and include pedestrian crossing facilities and additional turning lanes to accommodate growing traffic demands.

Traffic will be further catered for with a longer right turn lane for northbound highway traffic entering Pine Street. Pedestrian crossing facilities will also be installed at the intersection.

Queensland Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said the highway required upgrading to decrease congestion and increase safety for the section of highway.

“Gympie is growing rapidly and we need to build to meet that growth. It’s a busy area for both through and local traffic and we want people to be able to access the area safely,” Mr Wallace said.

“During the project planning phase the project team worked closely with affected property owners, residents and businesses to develop the upgrade solution for stage three.

“My department will keep key stakeholders, the community and the travelling public informed throughout construction about the impacts and traffic changes.”

Mr Wallace said while the long-term needs of the 65 kilometre stretch of Bruce Highway between Cooroy and Curra were addressed through the broader Strategic Planning Study.

Stage three works of the Bruce Highway upgrade through Gympie were expected to be completed by mid-2010, weather permitting.