OCTOBER 29, 2015: THE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss was in Townsville today to mark the completion of the Vantassel Street to Cluden upgrade project at the southern entrance to the city, and this is a fantastic outcome which will deliver a safer and more efficient Bruce Highway.As the DPM stated this morning, these important works will improve access during times of flood and create a safer, more reliable and timely commute for locals, freight operators, construction traffic, tourists and all who depend on the Bruce.“The upgrade of Vantassel Street to Cluden Drive section represents Stage 1 of the complete redevelopment of the Townsville Southern Access Corridor, a 22km section of the Bruce Highway between Killymoon Creek and Cluden. With the highest traffic volumes, the stretch of the highway between Vantassel Street and Cluden was the top priority to be fixed," Mr Truss said.“Ultimately, the Southern Access Corridor will improve travel times for motorists as well as improve local access and safety for the growing communities of Cluden, Julago, Alligator Creek and Rocky Springs.”The project involved duplication of an existing seven kilometre two-lane section of the Bruce Highway to four lanes, between Vantassel Street and Cluden Drive, as well as intersection upgrades and the construction of a new bridge and rail overpass.More than 228 jobs have been supported throughout the construction of this project.We were also joined by the Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey for this morning's event.The Bruce Highway Vantassel to Cluden upgrade was jointly funded with the Australian Government contributing $122.8 million and the Queensland Government contributing $30.8 million.