News
12 November, 2021
Bruce Highway western arterial 'preferred option' confirmed
The 'preferred option' for the new Bruce Highway western arterial road was announced this morning.
Paul Fletcher MP, Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, said the Federal Government is committed to funding the delivery of critical road projects across Queensland.
“The Bruce Highway is Queensland's major freight route, connecting Brisbane to central and northern Queensland, including 11 coastal ports, major regional cities and key tourist destinations,” Minister Fletcher said.
“With growing population pressures across the Moreton Bay region, a new, alternative road connection to the west of the Bruce Highway will help boost the capacity of the local road network and reduce congestion."
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said three options were presented to the community with the central option listed as the preferred option.
"The preferred alignment offered more opportunities for local road connections, better environmental outcomes and fewer property impacts,” Mr Bailey said.
"The central alignment starts at the D'Aguilar Highway and travels south towards Caboolture River Road, staying close to the existing power easement.
"The corridor will provide for future interchanges and allow local roads to pass over or under the new road.
"Connections will link with locations that support public and active transport, the future town centre, key employment areas and health and education facilities."
Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Peter Flannery welcomed the significant step towards building a Bruce Highway alternative and said with a city the size of Mackay expected to call Caboolture West home in coming years, the demand for roads in the region would only grow exponentially.
The next priority stage (Stage 2) is south of Caboolture West from Moorina to Narangba and is around 13 kilometres long, with the consultation phase expected to start in 2022.
