FEDERAL GREEN LIGHT FOR ‘SMART’ BRUCE HIGHWAY

Motorists in Longman will be getting home sooner and safer after the Australian Government signed off on $13.36 million in funding to support the transformation of the Bruce Highway between Gateway Motorway and Caloundra Road Interchange into a ‘smart’ freeway.

Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said ‘managed motorway’ technology would bust congestion and reduce travel times on the critical section of the highway.

“Installing electronic freeway management technology will improve traffic flow and motorist safety, particularly during busy peak periods,” Mr Young said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said no matter where you live, the Australian Government wants to get you home sooner and safer.

“The $13.36 million of federal funding now approved will fund development activities, including a business case for ‘managed motorway’ technology between Gateway Motorway and Steve Irwin Way and detailed design for incident management capability between Steve Irwin Way and the Caloundra Road Interchange,” Mr McCormack said.

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said this technology will improve the capacity and safety of the Bruce Highway for all road users and reduce congestion and travel times.

“These development phase works are expected to be completed in early 2020, following which the introduction of ‘managed motorway’ technology will get underway,” Mr Bailey said.

The project involves installing ‘managed motorway’ technology such as variable speed limit signs, entry ramp signalling, traffic monitoring cameras, digital message signs providing live updates on traffic conditions and delays, along with signs advising drivers of lane and speed restrictions.

The $105 million Bruce Highway – Managed Motorways Stage 2 – Gateway Motorway to Caloundra Road Interchange project is jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $84 million and the Queensland Government committing $21 million.