General News
2 November, 2026
Flood-prone road upgrade
WORKS have started on the upgrade of the Bruce Highway at Gairloch, between Ingham and Cardwell, with construction now underway on two key sections.
The long-awaited upgrades at Gairloch will improve safety for drivers and are expected to help reduce flood-related closures during the wet season.
The Gairloch to Ripple Creek section will widen the road and improve drainage, while the Ingham-Halifax-Bemerside Road and Cardwell Range section will widen the road, with both projects delivering critical safety improvements.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the Crisafulli government was getting on with fixing the Bruce.
“We’re backing the Bruce with the upgrades needed to get you home sooner and safer,” he said.
“We’re serious about bringing it up to the standard it should be and we’ve got shovels in the ground.
“Upgrading the Bruce at Gairloch has been spoken about for decades and finally now work is being done.
“Despite the naysayers, we’ve secured a funding deal that respects your money and means more upgrades to make the Bruce safer, stronger and more reliable.”
Federal infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government minister Catherine King said the Bruce Highway was a critical connection for North Queensland communities, freight operators, businesses and visitors.
“The Albanese government is getting on with delivering our record investment in the Bruce,” she said.
“The Bruce Highway is a critical connection for North Queensland communities, freight operators, businesses and visitors.
“The works north of Ingham will help strengthen a section of highway that is frequently impacted by wet weather, providing better connections for local communities and the industries that rely on this important corridor.
“Investing in resilience means investing before disaster strikes, helping communities stay connected to essential services, supporting recovery efforts and reducing the impacts of future natural hazards.”
Federal emergency management minister Kristy McBain said North Queenslanders knew all too well the impacts that flooding and extreme weather could have on critical transport links, communities and local economies.
“North Queenslanders know all too well the impacts that flooding and extreme weather can have on critical transport links, communities and local economies,” she said.
“These upgrades will help make this section of the Bruce Highway more resilient by improving drainage, strengthening vulnerable sections of road and reducing the risk of lengthy disruptions during wet weather.
“By working in partnership with the Queensland Government, we’re delivering practical improvements that will help keep people and freight moving when it matters most.”
Queensland transport and main roads minister Brent Mickelberg said the start of construction across the Bruce marked an important step towards delivering safer and more reliable journeys.
“Already the completed works are already making a real difference for motorists, regional communities and freight operators between Gympie and Cairns,” he said.
State Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the funding would make the Bruce safer for locals and visitors.
“Locals know better than anyone just how often this section of road goes underwater. Every wet season, families, businesses and transport operators face uncertainty when this vital link is cut. This investment is about building a safer, more resilient road network that keeps our communities connected when it matters most,” he said.
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