Improvements to the Bruce Highway near Bowen will resume early next year following the recent award of a new contract to FKG Civil.
Works on two Bruce Highway projects, between Bowen Connection Road and Champion Street intersections, ceased in February 2022 after principal contractor WBHO Infrastructure Pty Ltd went into voluntary administration.
Together, these projects will deliver six kilometres of safety improvements which are expected to be completed in early 2024.
This includes road widening, wide centre line treatments, guard rails, protected turn lanes, removal of roadside hazards and an upgrade to the Bowen Connection Road and Don Street intersection.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey says it’s unfortunate that the project had been on hold but great to have works restarting now.
“In great news, we’ve negotiated with the new Federal Albanese Government to get these works back on track,” he says.
“I know this announcement will come as good news for local residents, freight operators and tourists alike.
“FKG Civil will get on with the job early next year (2023), between Bowen Connection Road and Champion Street and at Bowen Connection Road and Don Street.”
The intersection upgrade at Bowen Connection Road and Don Street is estimated to support an average of 10 direct jobs over the life of the project.
The Bruce Highway widening from Bowen Connection Road to Champion Street intersection is estimated to support an average of 35 direct jobs over the life of the project.
A third project on the highway, between Emu Creek in Proserpine and Drays Road in Bowen, was also affected by WBHO’s voluntary administration and will be completed by new contractor RMS Engineering and Construction Pty Ltd.
The projects are being delivered as part of the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program (BHUP).
