BRUCE HIGHWAY ENTRY RAMPS SMARTENING UP

Smart motorways technology upgrades are now underway at several Bruce Highway entry ramps on the Sunshine Coast to better manage traffic flow and reduce congestion.

Widening works started in August at the Anzac Avenue, Buchanan Road and Uhlmann Road northbound entry ramps as part of the Bruce Highway Pine River to Caloundra Road Smart Motorways Stage 2 project.

Meanwhile, widening works at the Buchanan Road southbound entry ramp started in early September, and will allow for installation of variable speed limit signs, ramp metering and guard rails.

The Smart Motorways project is rolling out traffic management technologies along a 60-kilometre stretch of the highway between the Pine River and Caloundra Road.

This work includes installing ramp signals, variable speed limit and message signs, vehicle detection systems and CCTV cameras allowing agencies to proactively monitor and respond to changing road conditions such as crashes, wet weather or heavy traffic in real time.

The project is also expected to support an average of 140 direct jobs over its life.

Traffic controllers, reduced speed limits and signs will be in place to ensure the safety of road workers and motorists during the works.

Works are expected to be completed in 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting.

The $105 million Bruce Highway Pine River to Caloundra Road Smart Motorways Stage 2 project is jointly funded with the Australian Government contributing $84 million and the Queensland Government contributing $21 million.

For more information https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/bruce-highway-pine-river-to-caloundra-road-smart-motorways-stage-2.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

"The Australian Government is investing significantly to improve the safety and performance of the highway as part of the 15-year, $13 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.

"The Smart Motorways project will further showcase how smart technologies can enhance the considerable infrastructure upgrades currently being delivered on the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

"Smart technology will increasingly be integrated into our major infrastructure projects to better manage traffic flow and reduce congestion in real time, for the benefit of the many motorists who travel on these roads every day."

Quotes attributable to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

“It’s great to work with the Albanese Government to deliver this $105 million project.

"Smart technology doesn’t just improve safety – it also reduces stop-start travel and provide more predictable journey times for motorists.

"This is the second stage of the Smart Motorways project, expanding the technology network delivered between Uhlmann Road and the Pine River as part of Stage 1.

"Thank you to motorists and the community for their continued patience while we work to deliver this essential project and other important upgrades along the Bruce Highway."

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Member for Murrumba Steven Miles:

“The Palaszczuk Government is all about reducing travel times and making roads safer, which is exactly why we’re getting on with the second stage of Smart Motorways.

“Installing more of these smart entry ramps is great news for Queenslanders, who will enjoy a much safer and more efficient Bruce Highway.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan:

“We’re investing big in the Bruce Highway, and Queenslanders are reaping the benefits.

“This project will not only help Queenslanders get home safer and sooner – it’s also supporting 140 good Queensland jobs which is fantastic news as our economy continues to boom.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Kurwongbah Shane King:

“Motorists have already been enjoying Stage 1 of Smart Motorways, so it’s great to see works continuing on the 60-kilometre stretch of the Bruce from the Pine River all the way up to Caloundra Road.

“This project forms part of the Palaszczuk Government’s four-year $29.7 billion road and transport plan, making it far easier to get around Queensland and supporting over 25,000 good, secure jobs across the state.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Pumicestone Ali King:

“We’re hitting milestone after milestone on our massive Bruce Highway program, which is great news for local residents, who will spend less time behind the wheel and more enjoying Queensland’s great lifestyle.

“Whether it’s our record transport spend or our record hospital spend, the Palaszczuk Government is delivering big for Pumicestone.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton:

“The Bruce Highway is a key piece of infrastructure for Queensland, connecting Sunshine Coast residents to the entire Queensland coast.

“We’re continuing to make it more reliable and safer, helping Queenslanders get home sooner and safer.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt:

“Our investment in new technologies is keeping cars moving right across the state.

“The smart motorway technology allows us to remotely adjust speed limits, meaning when sections of the road are slippery due to wet weather, we’ll easily be able to make conditions safer for motorists.

“Our commitment to the Sunshine Coast doesn’t stop here – over the next four years, the Palaszczuk Government is investing over $3 billion in transport and road projects for the region, supporting 2,700 good, secure jobs.

Quotes attributable to State Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting:

“Smart motorway technology has been a great success in places like the M1, the Gateway Motorway and here on the Bruce Highway, so continuing to roll it out is a big win.

“It’s a great example of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to delivering better services, making it much easier to move around the state.”