The Department of Transport and Main Roads has completed the Saltwater Creek highway upgrade near Aldershot, a full year ahead of schedule.
Announced by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, the project involved an 11-kilometre section of the Bruce Highway between Maryborough and Torbanlea upgraded to withstand major flooding events.
Mr Bailey said a new high-level bridge at Deadmans Gully was constructed on a new alignment to replace the existing crossing.
He said work was completed over the Christmas and New Year period and speed limits were returned to 100km/h.
“A total of four flood ways north of Saltwater Creek have been upgraded, which aim to reduce the impacts for motorists associated with flood-related highway closures between Maryborough and Torbanlea,” Mr Bailey said.
The $103 million project was jointly funded as part of the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, with the Australian Government contributing $82.41 million and the State Government contributing $20.59 million.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said the new section had been built to a standard that meant there was just a one per cent chance of the highway being closed due to flooding in any given year.
“We are investing in infrastructure projects that will deliver an immediate economic boost by reducing the potential for social, economic and safety risks associated with flood-related highway closures,” Ms King said.
