The $514.3 million Haughton River Floodplain Upgrade project recorded a major milestone this week, with the first traffic switch onto the new Bruce Highway at Giru.

A further switch will take place later this week, meaning motorists would be using the new wider and safer highway between Greenacres and the approaches to the Reed Beds.

The project will improve freight reliability for Queensland’s north-south general supply chain, enhance regional connectivity for key industries and boost accessibility for rural residents travelling to Townsville for essential health services.

Safety will be enhanced with the elimination of two at-grade rail crossings at the Bruce Highway intersections with the Woodstock Giru Road and Hodel Road, south of Haughton.

Once final works at the remaining bridge are completed over coming weeks, traffic will then be switched on to the final section of new Bruce Highway across the Reed Beds and up to Palm Creek in early September.

These are significant milestones, as the project tracks toward completion.

Today’s traffic switch means motorists are using five out of the seven bridges and overpasses being built as part of this important project, and 8.9 kilometres of the total 13.5 kilometres of the upgraded highway.

Additionally, in a couple of days, that will increase to include the sixth bridge and a further 2.6 kilometres of new highway being driven on.

In what will most certainly be very welcome news to the people of North Queensland, traffic is now using the wider and higher Haughton River bridge, which includes bridge rails unlike the existing, narrow and ageing structure.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the project is another example of the Federal Government’s commitment to deliver for people of North Queensland, to make sure the infrastructure they need and deserve is funded and delivered.

“This is another example of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan in action, helping to connect communities and improve safety, while creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“The Federal Government is investing over $10 billion in a safer, smoother and more reliable Bruce Highway. This will benefit Queenslanders, from Brisbane to Cairns, on this key north-south route.”

The upgrade is estimated to support an average of 544 jobs over the construction life of the project.

The $514.3 million Haughton River Floodplain Upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program on an 80:20 basis, representing commitments of $411.4 million and $102.9 million, respectively.