The Australian government has announced a major $50 million safety upgrade for one of the Bruce Highway's most dangerous sections, targeting the notorious Veales Road intersection that has frustrated commuters and concerned safety advocates for years.
Addressing a Longstanding Traffic Nightmare
The problematic intersection at Veales Road in Deeragun, just north of Townsville, will undergo a complete transformation following years of community complaints and safety concerns. This critical infrastructure project aims to resolve what locals have described as a daily traffic bottleneck that significantly impacts travel times and poses serious safety risks.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King confirmed the substantial funding commitment, emphasizing the government's dedication to improving road safety across Queensland's vital transport network. The Bruce Highway serves as the main arterial route connecting coastal Queensland, carrying thousands of vehicles daily between major centers.
Transforming a Dangerous Intersection
The $50 million investment will fund the construction of a new overpass at Veales Road, effectively separating local traffic from through traffic on the highway. This engineering solution represents a significant upgrade from the current at-grade intersection that requires vehicles to cross multiple lanes of high-speed traffic.
Additional safety improvements will include upgraded acceleration and deceleration lanes, improved lighting, and better signage. The redesign will eliminate the need for motorists to make dangerous right-hand turns across highway traffic, which has been identified as a primary cause of previous accidents at this location.
Local residents and business owners have welcomed the announcement, having campaigned for safety improvements at this intersection for over a decade. The upgrade promises to reduce congestion during peak hours while dramatically improving safety for all road users, including the heavy vehicles that regularly use this section of highway.
Broader Implications for Regional Transport
This substantial infrastructure investment forms part of the larger Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, a multi-billion dollar initiative aimed at improving safety, capacity, and flood immunity along the entire 1,677-kilometer route. The Veales Road intersection has been identified as a priority project within this broader program due to its poor safety record and significant impact on traffic flow.
Construction is scheduled to commence following the completion of detailed design work and procurement processes. The project is expected to create numerous local jobs during the construction phase while delivering long-term economic benefits through improved transport efficiency.
Transport authorities anticipate the upgraded intersection will handle the increasing traffic volumes more effectively while reducing the frequency and severity of accidents. The completion timeline aligns with the government's commitment to delivering meaningful infrastructure improvements that enhance safety and support regional economic growth.
