Early start package

We're fast-tracking delivery of the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program with the jointly funded $300 million early start package.

The $300 million early start package includes:

  • $200 million to construct 16 priority projects
  • $100 million to undertake preconstruction and design activities. 

$200 million—construction

Works are underway to fast-track the construction of 16 priority projects. Key safety treatments for this initial package of work include:

  • installing wide centre line treatments, with road widening and audio tactile line marking
  • strengthening road pavement
  • improving intersections
  • constructing additional rest areas.

These high-impact safety treatments quickly respond to safety concerns at priority locations, reducing the severity and frequency of crashes.

$100 million—preconstruction and design

Preconstruction and design activities are underway for safety improvements across priority sections of the Bruce Highway. This approach will develop and deliver the full program of works for the jointly funded $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program.

Project locations map—early start package

Map of Queensland showing the location of the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program early stage construction projects and early stage design sections.
Map showing the project locations of the $200 million construction and $100 million preconstruction and design sections as part of the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program early start package.

List of projects

$200 million—construction projects

Wide Bay Burnett

Map legend Project Status
1 Bruce Highway (Gympie – Maryborough), Curra, construct rest area Construction underway
2 Bruce Highway (Gympie – Maryborough), Stratford Road, safety improvements Construction underway
3 Bruce Highway (Gympie – Maryborough), Chapmans Road to Stratford Road, safety improvements Construction underway
4 Bruce Highway (Gympie – Maryborough), Brooks Road, intersection upgrade Construction underway
5 Bruce Highway (Gin Gin – Benaraby), Barton Road, intersection upgrade Construction underway

Fitzroy

Map legend Project Status
6 Bruce Highway (Gin Gin – Benaraby), 3 Mile Creek, safety improvements Construction underway
7 Bruce Highway (Gin Gin – Benaraby), Granite Creek, upgrade rest area Construction underway
8 Bruce Highway (Rockhampton – St Lawrence), Little Neerim Creek – Deep Creek, wide centre line treatment Construction underway

Mackay Whitsunday

Map legend Project Status
9 Bruce Highway (Bowen – Ayr), Bootooloo Road, wide centre line treatment Completed

Northern

Map legend Project Status
10 Bruce Highway (Ayr – Townsville), Alligator Creek, pavement strengthening Completed
11 Bruce Highway (Townsville – Ingham), Toomulla Intersection, pavement strengthening Completed
12 Bruce Highway (Townsville – Ingham), Hencamp Creek, pavement strengthening Completed

Far North

Map legend Project Status
13 Bruce Highway (Ingham – Innisfail), various locations, pavement strengthening Completed
14 Bruce Highway (Ingham – Innisfail), Dean Road to Tully High School, wide centre line treatment Early works underway
15 Bruce Highway (Ingham – Innisfail), Aldridge Road to Poppi Road, wide centre line treatment Construction underway
16 Bruce Highway (Innisfail – Cairns), various locations, pavement strengthening Completed

$100 million—preconstruction and design projects

Map legend Project
A Bruce Highway (Maryborough – Gin Gin), preconstruction and design for priority safety improvements
B Bruce Highway (Rockhampton – St Lawrence), preconstruction and design for priority safety improvements
C Bruce Highway (Mackay – Proserpine), preconstruction and design for priority safety improvements
D Bruce Highway (Ayr – Townsville), preconstruction and design for priority safety improvements
E Bruce Highway (Ingham – Innisfail), preconstruction and design for priority safety improvements

Last updated: 26 March 2026