SEPTEMBER 24, 2015: CONSTRUCTION is now underway on a $45 million project to help floodproof the Bruce Highway at Yellow Gin Creek, south of Ayr.This morning I  was joined by Seymour Whyte Constructions operations manager Will MacDonald and Main Roads acting district director Kristy Hows toturn the sod on this project, which will replace the existing floodway with a two-lane, two-way bridge and wider, higher road approaches.The works will include an upgrade of the intersection at Beachmount Road, which provides access to the coastal settlement of Wunjunga.Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss announced that the Australian Government will contribute $36 million to the project.“Improving the flood immunity of this particular creek crossing will improve the reliability and productivity of one of the nation’s most important transport links and demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to making the Bruce Highway safer and more efficient,” Mr Truss said.More than 3,000 vehicles travel across the Yellow Gin Creek bridge each day.Almost one quarter of those are heavy vehicles, so upgrading this section of the highway will keep north Queensland connected during flood events. It will also mean local residents have better access to essential health and community services to the north of Ayr.The project will also boost the local economy by supporting approximately 100 direct jobs over the life of the project.In total, 1.6 kilometres of this section of the Bruce Highway will be upgraded, maximising freight connectivity and improving its resilience to flooding events.To minimise traffic disruptions during the bridge construction phase, a side track will be built alongside the existing roadway.The Australian Government is providing up to $6.7 billion over 10 years towards improvements to the Bruce Highway. Construction on the Yellow Gin Creek project is expected to be completed in late 2016, weather permitting.