Australian Government Invests $7.2 Billion in Bruce Highway

The Australian Government has announced a historic $7.2 billion funding package to upgrade the Bruce Highway, which has been labeled one of Queensland's deadliest roads. This investment aims to elevate the highway to a minimum three-star safety rating, addressing its dire safety record, which includes 43 fatalities in 2024 alone. Priority projects will focus on high-crash sections north of Gympie, including areas from Maryborough to Townsville, and will involve measures such as installing safety barriers, widening shoulders, and improving signage and intersections. With this funding, the total government investment in the highway exceeds $17 billion, highlighting its national importance. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for a long-term safety plan, asserting the government’s commitment to improving road safety for Queenslanders and visitors alike.