Tenders have been called for a $58 million project that will see the Bruce Highway widened from four to six lanes between Foster Road and Robert Road, 12 kilometres south of Cairns.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said a call for tenders for Stage 2 of the Bruce Highway Cairns Southern Access Corridor project would ensure work commenced as planned in mid-2016.
“The Federal Government is committed to delivering real benefits to Far North Queensland through this important Bruce Highway upgrade,” Mr Chester said.
“Widening the highway to six lanes on this 2.1 kilometre section will improve safety and help ease congestion for the more than 36,000 motorists that use the busy southern access corridor daily.
“The project will provide a substantial boost to the local economy with approximately 147 direct jobs being supported over the life of the project.”
Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said it was anticipated the successful tenderer would be announced at the end of April 2016 with work scheduled to commence in mid-2016, weather permitting.
“This project forms part of the long-term upgrade strategy for the Bruce Highway from Gordonvale to Draper Street, near the Cairns city centre,” Mr Entsch said.
Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports, Mark Bailey said the project was expected to be completed in late 2017, weather permitting.
“In addition to widening the section to six lanes, the Stage 2 Cairns Southern Access Corridor project will also see the upgrade of the Robert Road and Bruce Highway signalised intersection, and the construction of a new service road connection on the eastern side of the highway,” Mr Bailey said.
The $58 million project is being jointly funded with the Australian Government providing up to $46.4 million and the Queensland Government $11.6 million.
