$7.2 billion in new funding to fix Bruce Highway

Bruce Highway, queensland,

January 9, 2025

The Albanese Government will provide an additional $7.2 billion to upgrade and fix the Bruce Highway in Queensland, to bring it up to a minimum three-star safety rating.

This historic funding is the single largest investment ever into the Bruce Highway, and brings the Australian Government’s total outlay for the 1,673 km road to more than $17 billion.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has estimated $9 billion will achieve a minimum of three out of five-star safety rating for the entirety of the Bruce.

In recognition of the Bruce Highway’s national importance, unique challenges and dire safety record, we are committing to funding 80 per cent of that $9 billion.

Key stakeholders, including RACQ, Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF), Queensland Trucking Association (QTA), and Queensland Tourism Industry Council along with everyday Queenslanders have called for more investment and a long-term plan to fix the Bruce.

While Peter Dutton is yet to commit a dollar to the iconic Highway, the Albanese Government has prioritised fixing this key transport corridor since coming to office.

The Bruce Highway has an average Fatal and Serious Injury (FSI) crash rate three to five times higher than any major highway in New South Wales and Victoria.

As the major north-south corridor which connects Brisbane to the regional centres of Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns, the Bruce is critical to the movement of passengers, freight and tourists across the state – supporting around 62 per cent of the population in Queensland.

The new safety package will fast-track critical projects along the whole corridor, and will initially focus on priority sections north of Gympie that have been identified by stakeholders due to their higher than average crash rates.

Priority sections include Maryborough to Benaraby, Rockhampton to St Lawrence, Bowen to Townsville and Ingham to Innisfail.

Projects within the package may include installing safety barriers, wide centre lines and audio tactile line marking; constructing wider shoulders; increasing run off areas, overtaking lanes and rest areas; and improving intersections, signage, and sight lines.

There will also be a focus on resealing and rehabilitating road surfaces for resilience to “Build Back Better”, thereby mitigating damage from increasing weather events. 

The identification and prioritisation of projects funded under the package will be informed in consultation with the Queensland Government and the Bruce Highway Advisory Council, with works commencing in 2025.

Source: © Copyright, Commonwealth of Australia

About Bruce Highway

The Bruce Highway, one of Australia’s most significant roadways, stretches over 1,670 kilometers, connecting Brisbane to Cairns in Queensland. As a vital transport artery for freight, tourism, and local commuters, it plays a crucial role in the state’s economy. However, it has garnered a reputation for being one of the most dangerous highways in Australia, often referred to as a “highway of shame.”

Key Safety Concerns

The Bruce Highway accounts for approximately 17% of Queensland’s road fatalities, despite making up just 7% of the state’s road network. On average, more than 40 lives are lost on the highway annually, with thousands more injured in crashes.

Many sections of the highway were not designed to accommodate the current volume of traffic, leading to congestion and increased risk of collisions. Single-lane stretches, poor road surfaces, and limited overtaking opportunities contribute to unsafe driving conditions.

As a key freight route, the Bruce Highway sees a high volume of heavy vehicles, including trucks and trailers, which increases the likelihood of severe accidents.

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