- Budget delivers on the Crisafulli Government’s election commitment with funding to progress upgrades at the Bruce Highway, Walker Street intersection.
- Detailed planning is underway with construction expected to start this financial year.
- Four road upgrades are currently underway on the Bruce Highway between Maryborough and Gympie, as part of a $9 billion package funded by an 80:20 split with the Australian Government.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its election commitment to provide road safety upgrades for Maryborough with funding to upgrade the Walker Street, Bruce Highway intersection included in the State Budget.
Detailed planning is underway to ensure the upgrade improves safety while maintaining the critical function of the Bruce Highway as a key freight and transport corridor.
Construction is expected to begin at the intersection this financial year.
The Walker Street intersection has been identified as a high-risk location, with increasing traffic volumes and complex turning movements contributing to safety concerns for motorists, pedestrians, and freight operators.
As a short-term safety solution, the speed limit on the Bruce Highway between Industrial Avenue and Showgrounds Road was reduced to 80km/h earlier this year and to 60km/h between Showgrounds Road and the Henry Palmer Bridge, which includes Walker Street intersection.
Nearby, upgrades have also just been completed at three other intersections along Maryborough–Hervey Bay Road at Susan River, including on Stockman Way, Noble Road and Sunnyside Drive.
These are among 71 projects across the State being delivered under the Australian and Queensland Governments' jointly funded Road Safety Program.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Budget was delivering safer roads for Maryborough.
“We said we’d improve safety at the Walker Street intersection and our first Budget delivered the funding to push forward with those works,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“Queenslanders have known for a long time this intersection isn’t safe, and we want to rectify that so drivers can travel through it and safely get home to their families.
“There’s also four other projects that are currently underway between Maryborough and Gympie as part of our $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program with the Federal Government.”
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government was focused on creating a safer and more efficient transport network.
"This Government is serious about delivering safer, more reliable roads for Queenslanders," Minister Mickelberg said.
“The 80:20 funding deal we secured with the Federal Government for the Bruce Highway is a game-changer — unlocking $9 billion in targeted safety upgrades and ensuring regional communities like Maryborough get the infrastructure they deserve.
“We're investing where it counts, and the Walker Street upgrade is just one example of how we're putting that commitment into action."
Member for Maryborough John Barounis said the funding in the Budget was a step forward for the project and complements other road upgrades being delivered across the region.
“These upgrades are about protecting lives and supporting the growth of our region,” Mr Barounis said.
“I’ve listened to the concerns of locals and advocated strongly for this funding – and I’m proud to see it delivered, as we said we would.”
The final scope, cost, and timeline for the project will be determined through detailed planning, with further updates to be provided as the project progresses.