‘SMART’ BRUCE HIGHWAY UPGRADES TO BUST CONGESTION

A section of the Bruce Highway north of Brisbane will receive additional “smart” upgrades aimed at busting congestion.

The Federal government has invested $84 million for Stage 2 of the Smart Motorways program.

This program will transform a section of the Bruce Highway between the Gateway Motorway and Caloundra Road Interchange into a “smart” freeway.

Smart Motorways systems can include:

•Ramp signals at highway entry ramps to manage traffic entering the highway

•Variable speed limit signs notifying motorists when speed limits have changed in response to changing road conditions

•Variable message signs to provide information on incidents, available detours, delays and traffic conditions

•CCTV cameras to monitor real-time traffic conditions.

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

“Installing this kind of technology will improve traffic flow and motorist safety, particularly during busy peak periods,” Mr Young said.

This is Stage 2 of the Smart Motorways program on this section of the highway.

It will link several ongoing Bruce Highway projects including the completed Smart Motorways Stage 1 project, the New Settlement Rd/Deception Bay Rd overpass upgrade and the six-laning of the Bruce Highway between Bribie Island Rd and Steve Irwin Way.

“Once delivered, these projects will provide an integrated Smart Motorways solution between the Pine River and Steve Irwin Way to deliver travel benefits including reduced stop-start travel, improved safety and more reliable travel times,” Mr Young said.

Detailed design for the Smart Motorways Stage 2 project is underway, with construction expected to start in early 2022.

The $105 million Smart Motorways Stage 2 project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under an 80:20 funding arrangement, with the Australian Government contributing $84 million and the Queensland Government contributing $21 million.

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads is responsible for project design and delivery.