Jobs flow from new overlaking lanes

12 APRIL 2017: MORE overtaking lanes are in place along the Bruce Highway, with two new sections opening between Proserpine and Bowen three months ahead of schedule. Completion of the overtaking lanes near Dingo and Emu Creeks – funded as part of the Coalition’s record $50 billion infrastructure investment programme – highlighted the government’s drive to improve safety and efficiency on the Bruce Highway.The results of the Australian Government’s $6.7 billion investment in the highway are there for all to see – from new overtaking lanes between Brisbane and Cairns, to new interchanges, bridges and bypasses. The Coalition’s record investment in infrastructure delivers better and safer roads, regional jobs and dollars into the cash registers of local businesses.  We’ve invested $7 million in these overtaking lanes - money well spent when it comes to building a safer and more efficient Bruce Highway for everyone.The 2.5 km of new overtaking lanes created safe passing opportunities and reduced the frequency of motorists making risky passing manoeuvres between Proserpine and Bowen. We’ve seen in recent weeks just how important it is to have a safer highway as rescue and repair efforts have been mounted to help those badly affected by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie. The Bruce Highway is the vital link for our coastal towns and cities and adding overtaking lanes not only improves safety for motorists; it also improves the efficiency of such rescue and recovery efforts when we have large contingents of Army personnel and others heading to affected communities. This section of the highway services one of the country’s best-loved tourism spots, the Whitsundays, and it carries more than 4000 vehicles per day.  The addition of two more overtaking lanes, which supported 21 jobs during construction, will be greatly appreciated by all motorists.The $7 million Bruce Highway Proserpine to Bowen overtaking lane project was fully funded by the Australian Government.