Construction has begun on two key sections of the Bruce Highway at Gairloch in North Queensland, as the Australian and Queensland Governments progress upgrades designed to improve road safety, strengthen flood resilience and help motorists reach their destinations more safely and reliably.
The works are taking place between Ingham and Cardwell and form part of a broader effort to improve the Bruce Highway, a major transport route connecting communities across Queensland. The upgrades are expected to reduce the severity of flooding impacts and help minimise wet-season road closures.
The two projects focus on different sections of the highway. The Gairloch to Ripple Creek project will widen the road and improve drainage, while works covering Ingham–Halifax–Bemerside Road and Cardwell Range will widen the highway and deliver important safety improvements.
Together, the projects aim to improve travel conditions and strengthen the resilience of the highway between Ingham and the Cardwell Range.
Joint Government Investment Supports Highway Improvements
The Gairloch works form part of a wider program of investment in the Bruce Highway, with 150 projects either completed, underway or progressing through planning and design.
The $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, which began in 2025, is delivering upgrades along the highway between Gympie and Cairns. According to the media release, 18 projects have been completed, 20 are underway and another seven are expected to begin construction during 2026.
The first stage of the Gairloch to Ripple Creek works is jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli governments through efficiencies realised under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The separate works covering Ingham–Halifax–Bemerside Road and Cardwell Range form part of the $1 billion Bruce Highway Safety Package, funded on an 80:20 basis.
The projects are intended to address road safety risks while improving the highway’s ability to withstand flooding and other challenging conditions.
Local Bus Operator Welcomes the Upgrades
The improvements have been welcomed by local businesses affected by flooding and road safety concerns.
Jess Guandalini of Herbert River Bus Service said flooding can create significant challenges for transporting schoolchildren, particularly when road closures occur during the day.
The company must monitor road conditions to ensure students can return home safely if closures affect their usual routes. Guandalini also explained that when students cannot attend school, the business loses income.
She highlighted narrow bridges along parts of the highway as another concern for drivers and passengers.
Guandalini welcomed the commencement of the upgrades, saying the business was pleased to see the improvements moving ahead, alongside other local residents.
Her comments highlight the practical importance of reliable road connections for school transport, local businesses and communities that depend on the highway for everyday travel.
Wider Bruce Highway Safety Program
The broader Targeted Safety Program includes works at multiple locations along the Bruce Highway.
Projects underway include intersection safety improvements at Mourilyan Harbour Road, road widening and drainage upgrades between Aldridge Road and Poppi Road, and safety improvements between Dean Road and Tully High School.
Other projects are scheduled to begin in the coming months, including upgrades at Mackenzie Creek to Tindall Court and the Walily Creek to E Claxton Road section. Early works are also expected at the Howard turnoff, south of Doghole Creek, while early works at Gin Gin Heavy Vehicle Rest Area remain subject to final Australian Government approvals.
Additional Bruce Highway projects include resilience improvements between Gairloch and Ripple Creek, pavement widening and safety improvements on the Ingham–Halifax–Bemerside Road and Cardwell Range sections, and a new bridge and realignment at Gairloch Floodway.
An upgrade to the Bruce Highway and Walker Street intersection is also underway, funded by the Queensland Government.
Improving Safety and Reliability for Queenslanders
The Gairloch upgrades represent part of the ongoing investment in safer and more resilient road infrastructure across Queensland. By widening roads, improving drainage and addressing identified safety concerns, the projects aim to reduce risks for motorists and lessen the disruption caused by flooding.
For communities between Ingham and Cardwell, more reliable highway access is important for school transport, local businesses and everyday journeys.
As construction progresses, the projects are expected to contribute to the broader effort to help Queenslanders travel home sooner and more safely.
