General News
29 June, 2026
Highway upgrade finalised
FLOOD resilience works on the Bruce Highway between Dallachy Road and south of Dean Road near Tully are now complete.
A federal government spokesman said the improvements meant the flood resilience in this part of the Bruce was consistent with nearby sections, with modelling showing it will reduce the average yearly flood during by 40%.
The Australian and Queensland governments have also released 52 tenders for projects under the $9 billion Bruce Highway targeted safety program in the next major wave of works, with 40 construction and 12 design tenders to build momentum and support the delivery of safety upgrades.
The 52 tenders will progress more than 200km of wide centre line treatment, 100km of pavement strengthening, five new overtaking lanes, 13 intersection upgrades, two rest areas and the replacement of three narrow bridges in Far North Queensland at Five Mile, Little Moresby, and Boobah creeks. The replacement of eight narrow bridges between Ayr and Townsville and Ingham and Innisfail, include at Palm Creek, St Margaret Creek, Emmett Creek, Mackenzie Creek and Alligator Creek.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the release of 52 additional tenders demonstrated the scale and momentum of the program.
“The Albanese government is committed to improving safety on the Bruce Highway and these latest tenders represent another significant step in delivering upgrades that will help save lives and support regional communities and industries,” she said.
“With a number of projects already completed and now these 52 new tenders coming to market, we are accelerating the rollout of critical safety upgrades along the Bruce.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said the state government was focused on delivering a safer, more resilient Bruce Highway as quickly as possible.
“This next wave of tenders shows the program is continuing to move at full speed. The use of dedicated panels is streamlining procurement and giving industry the confidence it needs to keep crews on the ground,” he said.
“We told Queenslanders we are committed to fixing the Bruce and works are already making a real difference for motorists, regional communities and freight operators between Gympie and Cairns.”
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