Project

Bruce Highway Upgrade

PROJECT STATUS
Under Procurement
Bruce Highway Upgrade

The 1,700 kilometre Bruce Highway is Queensland's major north-south road corridor, connecting coastal population centres from Brisbane to Cairns.

The main projects which have not yet commenced delivery include:

  • Pine River to Caloundra Road Interchange Upgrade
  • Mackay Ring Road, and
  • Cooroy to Curra Upgrade (Section D).

The Cooroy to Curra project is among Queensland's highest priority road projects, which consists of four parts:                                           

  • Section A: Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road (complete)
  • Section B: Sankeys Road to Traveston Road (complete)
  • Section C: Traveston to Woondum (complete)
  • Section D: Woondum to Curra, including the Gympie bypass.

Other projects which do not meet the ANZIP threshold include: 

  • Townsville Ring Road – Stage Four ($200 million - awarded to Seymour Whyte in September 2014) 
  • Cairns Southern Access Corridor – Stage Four ($135 million - awarded to Georgiou Koppen Joint Venture in August 2018)
  • Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade – Stage One ($121 million - awarded to a McIlwain and SGQ Joint Venture in November 2018)
  • Deception Bay Road Interchange Upgrade ($150 million - awarded to BMD Constructions in September 2020)
  • Cattle and Frances Creek Upgrade ($119 million - awarded to BMD Constructions in February 2017)
  • Tiaro Flood Immunity Upgrade ($107 million), and
  • Saltwater Creek Upgrade ($103 million).

Key Dates

Dec 2013 Construction Commencement
Nov 2017 Project Announcement
Dec 2028 Expected Construction Completion

Funding contributions

Federal Government
Queensland Government

In 2017, the Queensland Government established the Bruce Highway Trust – with the stated objective to strengthen long-term investment certainty and develop a 15-year plan for the Bruce Highway pipeline. The Queensland Government will commit at least $200 million annually to the Trust.

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

PROJECT HISTORY

Jul 2013 The Federal Government announced the $8.5 billion program, funded on an 80:20 basis between the Federal Government and the Queensland Government.
May 2018 The program expanded its remit and increased to a 15 year program of works. The Federal Government announced an additional $3.3 billion to its existing $6.7 billion commitment. The Queensland Government increased it's commitment by $800 million to $1.6 billion.
May 2019 The Federal Government announced an additional $425 million in funding for the program.
Sep 2020 The Federal Government announced an additional $201 million in funding for the program.
Jun 2021 The Queensland Government announced an additional $100 million in funding for the program in its 2021-22 Budget.
Mar 2022 The 2022-23 Federal Budget allocated $27 million for the completion of business cases for additional projects including Anzac Avenue to Uhlmann Road, Buchanan Road to Caboolture Bribie Island Road, and Uhlmann Road to Buchanan Road.
Oct 2022 The 2022-23 October Federal Budget allocated $866 million toward the Bruce Highway Upgrade.
Major Contract

Mackay Ring Road – Stage Two

PROJECT STATUS
Announced
Mackay Ring Road – Stage Two

Stage Two of the Mackay Ring Road will connect the Bruce Highway at Glenella, north-west of Mackay to Harbour Road near the Port of Mackay via an 8.2-kilometre corridor south of the rail line.

Funding contributions

Federal Government
Queensland Government

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Department of Transport and Main Roads

PROJECT HISTORY

Dec 2020 The Federal Government Announced $280 million in funding for the project.
Jun 2021 The Queensland Government announced $70 million in funding for the project in its FY2021-22 Budget.
Estimated Total Cost
(2021)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
Queensland | National |
Resources
Project website
Project website - DIRDC
Government resources
QTRIP 2021-22
Major Contract

Caboolture-Bribie Island Road Interchange to Steve Irwin Way

PROJECT STATUS
Under Delivery
Caboolture-Bribie Island Road Interchange to Steve Irwin Way

The Bruce Highway is being upgraded between between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road interchange, Caboolture and the Steve Irwin Way interchange at Beerburrum.

The upgrade has been split into two contracts of approximately equal distance:

  • Contract One - Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to Pumicestone Road in Caboolture, and
  • Contract Two - Pumicestone Road to Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163) in Beerburrum.


The project will expand the highway from two to three lanes in each direction and provide emergency stopping bays and safety barriers.

The project includes new bridge structures and creek crossings, as well as improvements to interchange entry and exit ramps.

The upgrade will make allowance for future implementation of Smart Motorways technology.

Key Dates

Oct 2020 Contract Award - Contract One
Nov 2020 Construction Commencement - Contract One
Mar 2021 Contract Award - Contract Two
May 2021 Construction Commencement - Contract Two
May 2024 Construction Completion

Funding contributions

Federal Government
Queensland Government

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Department of Transport and Main Roads
Successful Tenderer: Contract One - ACCIONA Contract Two - Fulton Hogan

PROJECT HISTORY

Feb 2020 The Queensland Government called for Expressions of Interest for the project. The Government intends to award two construction only contracts to two separate entities through a three-stage procurement process. A compulsory pre-close tender meeting was held on 13 February 2020. EOIs close on 4 March 2020.
Apr 2020 The Queensland Government shortlisted five proponents to deliver Contract One and Contract Two. The four unsuccessful tenderers from Contract One will be invited to tender for Contract Two. The successful proponents will be announced after Contract One is awarded.
Sep 2020 The Queensland Government issued a Request for Tender (RFT) for the second contract of the project to the four shortlisted proponents that were unsuccessful in the tender for the first contract. A compulsory Pre-close Tender meeting was held on 30th September. Tenders were due 29 October.
Oct 2020 ACCIONA were awarded Contract One
Nov 2020 Construction for contract one commenced
May 2021 Contract Two was awarded to Fulton Hogan.
Jun 2021 In its 2021-22 Budget, the Queensland Government allocated $106 million to the project for FY2021-22. QTRIP also indicated that the project has been delayed with $139 million in funding now outside the forward estimates. The project was indicated as fully funded with the 2020-21 Budget.
Aug 2023 Contract One between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and Pumicestone Road, Elimbah completed construction.
Estimated Total Cost
(2017)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
Queensland | National |
Resources
Infrastructure agency resources
Infrastructure Australia Business Case Evaluation
Major Contract

Cairns Ring Road

PROJECT STATUS
Detailed Planning
Cairns Ring Road

The Cairns Ring Road would extend the Bruce Highway from its current terminus in the Cairns CBD to the intersection of the Captain Cook and Kennedy Highways at Smithfield. This would create a ring road around Cairns, with the Western Arterial Road connecting to the Bruce Highway at Smithfield and Cairns. 

The Federal Government identified Stage One early works for the Captain Cook Highway project to include upgrades between James Street and Airport Avenue. Planning is currently underway for the section, which will be followed by detailed design and work to progress master planning for the entire route between the Cairns CBD and Smithfield. 

Key Dates

Apr 2019 Project Announcement
Sep 2021 Expected Construction Commencement

Funding contributions

Federal Government
Queensland Government

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Department of Transport and Main Roads

PROJECT HISTORY

Apr 2019 The Federal Government announced $287 million in funding for the project.
Jul 2020 The Federal Government announced that the section of the Captain Cook Highway from the Cairns CBD to Smithfield was added to the National Land Transport Network, effective 1 July 2020. The government also identified Stage One early works for the Captain Cook Highway project to include upgrades between James Street and Airport Avenue. Planning is currently underway for the section, which will be followed by detailed design and work to progress master planning for the entire route between the Cairns CBD and Smithfield.
Jan 2023 The Queensland Government has released the preliminary master plan for the Captain Cook Highway - Cairns CBD to Smithfield for public consultation, closing 28th February.
Estimated Total Cost
(2019)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
Queensland | National |
Resources
Media releases
2020/08/03
Major Contract

Anzac Avenue to Uhlmann Road Upgrade

PROJECT STATUS
Detailed Planning
Anzac Avenue to Uhlmann Road Upgrade

The Queensland Government is planning to upgrade of the Bruce Highway between Anzac Avenue, North Lakes to Uhlmann Road, Burpengary

The scope of the project includes widening the Bruce Highway in both directions over a 13 kilometre stretch, replacing two overpasses, expanding active transport facilities, and replacing existing bridges.

Key Dates

Jun 2023 Project Announcement

Funding contributions

Federal Government
Queensland Government

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

PROJECT HISTORY

Jun 2023 Thew Queensland government allocated $491 million to the project in the 2023-24 Budget over the forward estimates, beginning in FY 2024-25.
Oct 2023 The Department of Transport and Main Roads commenced community consultation on the Bruce Highway from Anzac Avenue to Uhlmann Road.
Estimated Total Cost
(2023)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
Queensland |
Resources
Major Contract

Rockhampton Ring Road

PROJECT STATUS
Under Procurement
Rockhampton Ring Road

The Rockhampton Ring Road will see the Bruce Highway bypass Rockhampton, passing to the west of the town centre and Rockhampton Airport, on the Western Road Corridor.

The Western Road Corridor is a 22-kilometre deviation of the Bruce Highway from the Burnett Highway intersection south of Rockhamption to north of Glenlee. The bypass is envisioned to include a new crossing of the Fitzroy River and will utilise two kilometres of the Capricorn Highway, which is being duplicated separately through the Capricorn Highway Duplication (Rockhampton to Gracemere) project. 

Works to be undertaken through the contract include:

  • a 17.4-kilometre ring road around Rockhampton CBD, from the Capricorn Highway at Nelson Street to Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road
  • a 250-metre dual carriageway bridge over the Fitzroy River
  • over six kilometres of bridges over floodplains, and
  • four new connections to Rockhampton, including the Gracemere/Capricorn Highway connection, West Rockhampton connection, Alexandra Street connection, and Parkhurst Connection.

The works are being split into packages, with the the early works $280 million first package (Package 1) divided further into North Package 1 and South Package 1, the details of which are below:

North Package 1:

  • Construct the ring road section between the Bruce Highway /Rockhampton–Yeppoon Road intersection and Monier Road embankment.
  • Works required for the realigned Boundary Road, McLaughlin Street, existing Boundary Road, and Monier Road access.
  • Construct accesses for Dreamtime Cultural Centre, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services precinct.

South Package 1:

  • Rockhampton–Ridgelands Road upgrade including Canoona Road intersection, replacement of Lion Creek bridge, modifications to Osborne Road, and construction of the Ridgelands Road–Osborne Road roundabout with a stub for future connection to the ring road. 
  • Upgrade of Nine Mile Road/Rockhampton–Ridgelands Road intersection.
  • Preload of embankment between the Capricorn Highway and Abutment A of Bridge BR04 (over soft soils).

Key Dates

Nov 2018 Project Announcement
Nov 2021 EOIs Open
Dec 2021 EOIs Close
Jul 2022 Expected Contract Award
2022 Expected Construction Commencement
2026 Expected Construction Completion

Funding contributions

Federal Government
Queensland Government

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Department of Transport and Main Roads
Successful Tenderer: Design: a Joint Venture comprising Jacobs and SMEC North Package 1: a Bielby and BMD Joint Venture South Package 1: an ACCIONA and Fulton Hogan Joint Venture
Related contracts:
Preliminary Evaluation
Successful Tenderer - AECOM

PROJECT HISTORY

Feb 2017 $65 million was allocated by the Federal and Queensland governments in February 2017 to commence planning and preservation works for the Ring Road.
Nov 2018 In November 2018 the Federal Government announced it had allocated $800 million towards the project in an 80/20 split with the Queensland Government.
Nov 2018 AECOM was awarded a contract to deliver the preliminary evaluation as part of the planning phase in November 2018.
Jan 2019 In January 2019, the Queensland Government announced their 20 per cent of funding for the project, with a $200 million commitment.
Oct 2020 Jacobs SMEC Design Joint Venture was appointed to provide the detailed design of the Rockhampton Ring Road.
Nov 2021 The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads opened Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the project, closing on 16 December. The Department also announced the project is expected to be split into two separate packages, which are expected to be awarded in mid to late 2022.
Jun 2023 Queensland Government awarded two early works contracts worth a combined $280 million. The contract for North Package One was awarded to a Bielby and BMD Joint Venture. The contract for South Package One was awarded to an ACCIONA and Fulton Hogan Joint Venture.
Nov 2023 The Federal Government allocated an additional $348 million to the project following the IIP Independent Strategic Review, bringing their contribution to $1.17 billion.
Jan 2024 The Queensland Government increased their funding commitment from $213 million to $530 million. The Federal Government also provided an additional $29 million, bringing their total contribution to $1,2 billion. The total estimated cost of the project was increased to $1.73 billion.
Major Contract

Cooroy to Curra - Section D - Southern Contract

PROJECT STATUS
Under Delivery
Cooroy to Curra - Section D - Southern Contract

Section D will see the construction of a new 26-kilometre, four-lane bypass of Gympie and will complete the final link in the 62-kilometre upgrade of the Bruce Highway between Cooroy and Curra.

Section D has been separated into two contracts to assist in the future management of contractual risks inherent with such a large project. They are:

  • Contract One - Southern – Woondum interchange to Sandy Creek Road, and
  • Contract Two - Northern – Sandy Creek Road to Curra.

The Southern Contract (Contract 1), approximately 10 kilometres in length, will extend from the northern end of the Bruce Highway Cooroy to Curra (Section C: Traveston to Woondum) project at Woondum, to north of Sandy Creek Road.

Key Dates

May 2018 Project Announcement
Aug 2020 Contract Award
Oct 2020 Construction Commencement
2024 Expected Construction Completion

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Department of Transport and Main Roads
Successful Tenderer: BBJV - A Joint Venture comprising BMD Constructions and Bielby Holdings

PROJECT HISTORY

Mar 2016 The Preliminary planning for Section D was completed.
May 2016 The detailed design process was commenced.
2018 The detailed design process was completed.
May 2018 The Federal Budget allocated $3.3 billion towards the Bruce Highway Upgrade project over the next 10 years, with $800 million allocated to the Corroy to Curra Section D. The Federal Government's $800 million commitment will see funding contributions each year between FY2019-20 and FY2025-26, with the Queensland Government funding the remaining $200 million.
Aug 2019 Infrastructure Australia approved the business case for Cooroy to Curra Section D: Woondum to Curra. IA has added the project to the Infrastructure Priority List as a Priority Project .
Aug 2020 Contract One for Southern Section awarded to a Joint Venture comprising Bielby Holdings and BMD Constructions.
Jun 2021 In its 2021-22 Budget, the Queensland Government allocated $180 million to the project for FY 2021-22. The Budget also indicated that the project has been delayed with $367 million in funding now outside the forward estimates. The project was indicated as having $248 million outside the 2020-21 Budget forward estimates.
Estimated Total Cost
(2023)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
Queensland | National |
Resources
Major Contract

Cooroy to Curra - Section D - Northern Contract

PROJECT STATUS
Under Delivery
Cooroy to Curra - Section D - Northern Contract

The 1,700 kilometre Bruce Highway is Queensland's major north-south road corridor, connecting coastal population centres from Brisbane to Cairns and supporting around 58 per cent of Queensland's population.

Section D will see the construction of a new 26-kilometre, four-lane bypass of Gympie and will complete the final link in the 62-kilometre upgrade of the Bruce Highway between Cooroy and Curra.

Section D has been separated into two contracts to assist in the future management of contractual risks inherent with such a large project. They are:

  • Contract One - Southern – Woondum interchange to Sandy Creek Road, and
  • Contract Two - Northern – Sandy Creek Road to Curra.

The Northern Contract (Contract Two) is approximately 18 kilometres in length will extend from north of Sandy Creek Road to Curra. 

Key Dates

May 2018 Project Announcement
Mar 2021 Expected Contract Award
Mar 2021 Contract Award
2021 Expected Construction Commencement
2024 Expected Construction Completion
2024 Construction Commencement

Funding contributions

Federal Government
Queensland Government

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Department of Transport and Main Roads
Successful Tenderer: CPB Contractors

PROJECT HISTORY

Mar 2016 The Preliminary planning for Section D was completed.
May 2016 The detailed design process was commenced.
Jan 2018 The detailed design process was completed.
May 2018 The Federal Government allocated $3.3 billion towards the Bruce Highway Upgrade project over the next 10 years, with $800 million allocated to the Cooroy to Curra -Section D upgrade. The Federal Government's $800 million commitment will see funding contributions each year between FY2019-20 and FY2025-26, with the Queensland Government funding the project's remaining $200 million. The $1 billion investment is in addition to the existing $52 million being spent on planning and designing the project.
Aug 2019 Infrastructure Australia approved the business case for Cooroy to Curra Section D: Woondum to Curra. IA has added the project to the Infrastructure Priority List as a Priority Project Early.
Mar 2021 CPB Contractors was awarded Section D Contract Two (Northern Contract).
2021 Construction commenced on the project.
Estimated Total Cost
(2021)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
Queensland | National |
Resources
Government resources
Preliminary Documentation
Media releases
18/03/2021
Major Contract

Bruce Highway Upgrade – Tiaro Bypass

PROJECT STATUS
Announced
Bruce Highway Upgrade – Tiaro Bypass

The Bruce Highway Upgrade Tiaro Bypass project proposes a new nine-kilometre highway and interchanges north and south of Tiaro. The four-lane bypass will leave the existing Bruce Highway north of Bauple Drive and reconnect to the existing Bruce Highway near Wilsons Road. 

Key Dates

Jun 2021 Project Announcement

Funding contributions

Federal Government
Queensland Government

PROJECT HISTORY

Mar 2020 Field investigations within the bypass corridor study area commenced with the aim of identifying an alignment for the project.
Jun 2021 The Federal Government announced further funding of 'up to' $183 million for the project taking their total commitment to $269 million.
Jun 2021 The Queensland Government announced $46 million in additional funding, bringing the combined total commitment for the project to $336 million.
Dec 2021 The draft concept design of the Tiaro Bypass project was released. The design outlines nine kilometres of four-lane highway with exits to the north and south of Tiaro.
Mar 2023 The Queensland Government awarded an Arup and SMEC joint venture the detailed design contract for the project. The design is expected to be completed in 2024.
Estimated Total Cost
(2021)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
Queensland |
Resources
Major Contract

Cairns Southern Access Corridor - Stage Three

PROJECT STATUS
Operational
Cairns Southern Access Corridor - Stage Three

The Cairns Southern Access Corridor - Stage Three project includes the duplication of 10.5 kilometers of the Bruce Highway between Edmonton and Gordonvale.

The scope of the works includes:

  • duplication of all existing two lane sections to four lanes
  • road and rail bridges at Wrights Creek and Stoney Creek
  • an off-road shared pathway for cyclists and pedestrians, including on the Menmuny Overpass
  • local road upgrades, and
  • relocation of a section of the North Coast Rail Line to accommodate the works.

 

Key Dates

Sep 2018 EOIs Open
Nov 2018 EOIs Close
Jan 2019 Shortlist Announced
Oct 2019 Contract Award
May 2020 Construction Commencement
2023 Construction Completion

Funding contributions

Federal Government
Queensland Government

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
Shortlist: John Holland, Seymour Whyte and AECOM Joint Venture, and Bielby Hull, Albem and Coleman Joint Venture.
Successful Tenderer: John Holland, Seymour Whyte and AECOM Joint Venture.

PROJECT HISTORY

Sep 2018 An Industry Briefing was held in September 2018 for prequalified contractors, consultants for engineering projects and contract administrators. This was followed by an Expressions of Interest period, closing on 23 November 2018.
Nov 2018 Summaries of the Detailed Business Case and Cost Benefit Analysis were released by Building Queensland. The business case found the project has a benefit cost ratio in the range of 1.06 to 1.13 and determined that the Queensland Government's preferred procurement approach is a double early contractor involvement model. This model would see two tenderers involved throughout the planning stage, with one tenderer progressing to the delivery stage.
Jan 2019 The Queensland Government announced a shortlist for the project.
Oct 2019 The John Holland Seymour Whyte, AECOM joint venture were awarded the design and construction contract.
May 2020 Main works construction commenced
Aug 2023 The last major section of the upgrade, the Menmuny Overpass, was completed, allowing the project to be opened to the public.
Estimated Total Cost
(2023)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
Queensland | National |
Resources
Media releases
2022/06/28
2023/08/15
Major Contract

Maroochydore Road Interchange Project

PROJECT STATUS
Operational
Maroochydore Road Interchange Project

The Maroochydore Road Interchange project will upgrade the interchanges at Maroochydore Road and Mons Road. The project will include:

  • a new, four-lane eastbound bridge over the Bruce Highway from Nambour Connection Road to Maroochydore Road
  • converting the existing Maroochydore Road and Nambour Connection Road roundabout to a signalised interchange
  • construction of two-way service roads on the western and eastern side of the interchange
  • extension of Owen Creek Road to Sunshine Coast Grammar School
  • installation of new drainage structures
  • planning works for the section of the Bruce Highway between the Sunshine Motorway and Maroochydore Road Interchange

Key Dates

Mar 2020 Contract Award
Jun 2020 Construction Commencement
Jun 2023 Expected Construction Completion
Jun 2023 Construction Completion

Funding contributions

Federal Government
Queensland Government

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
Successful Tenderer: A John Holland and Seymour Whyte Joint Venture.

PROJECT HISTORY

Aug 2019 Infrastructure Australia approved the business case for the project. It has been added to the Infrastructure Priority List as a Priority Project.
Mar 2020 The construction contract was awarded to a joint venture of John Holland and Seymour Whyte. Major construction is due to commence in June 2020 and be completed in late-2022.
Jun 2020 Main works construction commenced on the project.
Jun 2023 Main works construction were completed on the project.
Estimated Total Cost
(2019)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
Queensland | National |
Resources