More overtaking lanes for Bruce Hwy

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015: CONSTRUCTION on two more overtaking lanes on the Bruce Highway north of Mackay will kick off later this year.Tenders are now open for the contract to construct overtaking lanes at Careys Creek and Kitty Creek about 50 kilometres north of Mackay.One northbound and one southbound set of overtaking lanes will be constructed, and this is part of the Liberal National Government's ongoing work to Fix the Bruce.Infrastructure investment boosts the supply of jobs in the region, and supports local families through ongoing employment opportunities.Upgrades like these not only increase capacity; they also substantially reduce the number of risky manoeuvres drivers sometimes take when passing slower vehicles, particular large trucks.[box style="1 or 2"] Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the $7 million project at Careys and Kitty creeks was being fully funded under the Australian Government’s $110 million Bruce Highway- Overtaking Lanes package, as part of the Government’s $6.7 billion commitment to fixing the Bruce Highway. “More than 5000 vehicles travel daily between Mackay and Proserpine, with approximately 800 of those being heavy vehicles,” Mr Truss said. “The Bruce Highway is a critical transport link for the state and nation, and construction of these new overtaking lanes will significantly reduce the risk of accidents on this section of the highway.” [/box]Construction of the new overtaking lanes will start later this year and is expected to be completed by mid-2016.