Australian Government invests $75 billion towards transport infrastructure
Did you know that the Australian Government is investing $75 billion toward transport infrastructure over the next 10 years to support our nation?
Transport infrastructure connects people to jobs, their homes and their communities, and allows Australian businesses to connect to domestic and global export markets. The efficient movement of people and products grows our economy and improves the liveability of our cities and regions.
Our current investments are already delivering significant economic benefits to urban and regional areas across Australia. Analysis of more than 70 major projects funded through the Infrastructure Investment Program indicates that approximately 190 million passenger hours and 50 million freight and business hours were saved as a direct result of the Government’s investment in major infrastructure projects.
In the 2018–19 Budget, the Government delivered a 10-year, $75 billion investment in transport infrastructure including a decade long $24.5 billion Pipeline of major projects. These investments form a coherent plan for Australia’s transport infrastructure future. The Pipeline is a list of nationally significant land transport priorities in our major cities and across regional Australia that will benefit every State and Territory.
This Pipeline targets the nationally significant transport problems across the country and is based on the robust analysis, including Infrastructure Australia's Infrastructure Priority List.
The Pipeline recognises that major infrastructure projects take many years to plan, design and deliver. New projects will be added to the Pipeline over time as further priorities are identified through continuing analysis and engagement with State and Territory Governments and the private sector.
The highway provides critical linkages for freight movements between inland production areas and eleven coastal ports and major regional centres. It is also a major commuter route at its southern end and a key tourist corridor. The Australian Government is committed to providing a total funding of $10 billion for the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program from 2013-14 to 2027-28.
The projects include major upgrades and realignments, strengthening and widening type works, plus a range of safety and efficiency measures to target poor crash sites and to provide additional overtaking lanes and rest areas.
The following major projects involving Sunshine Coast roads are to completed in the next 10 years:
Bruce Highway - Bruce Highway Safety Package (Road and Rail Program)
Total Cost: $1,039,200,000
Australian Government Investment: $831,360,000
Expected Finish: Mid 2028
Project Status: Under construction
The Bruce Highway Safety Package aims to improve the overall safety of the highway by upgrading high-risk safety locations with appropriate treatments. Types of work currently included as a part of this package are:
⚫ installation of safety barriers
⚫ wide centre line treatments
⚫ removal of roadside hazards
⚫ intersection improvements and upgrades
⚫ improvements to signs, lines and guidance systems
When complete, the benefits of the Safety Package are expected to include:
⚫ reduced number of crashes on the Bruce Highway
⚫ reduced possibility of conflicts between right-turning traffic and through traffic
⚫ improved driver visibility
⚫ overall improved road safety
Bruce Highway – Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway (Road and Rail Program)
Total Cost: $812,950,000
Australian Government Investment: $650,360,000
Expected Finish: Late 2020
Project Status: Under construction
The project will address the service needs along the seven kilometre stretch of the Bruce Highway between the Caloundra Road interchange and the Sunshine Motorway by providing a six-lane divided highway, as well as upgrading the Caloundra Road interchange and Sunshine Motorway interchange on the Bruce Highway.
The project will reduce congestion and improve safety and efficiency of the intersections and the section of the Bruce Highway in between.
Bruce Highway - Additional Funding for Black Spots, Rest Areas and Safety Upgrades
Total Cost: $175,210,000
Australian Government Investment: $175,210,000
Expected Finish: Mid 2022
Project Status: In planning
This project aims to improve the overall safety of the Bruce Highway, by upgrading high-risk safety locations including black spot and rest areas. The types of work included as a part of this package are:
⚫ removal of road side hazards;
⚫ new and upgraded rest areas;
⚫ wide centre line treatments;
⚫ intersection improvements and upgrades;
⚫ installation of safety barriers; and
⚫ improvements to signs, lines and guidance systems.
When complete, the expected benefits of this project include
⚫ reduced risk of crashes; and
⚫ reduced possibility of conflicts between right-turning traffic and through traffic.
To view project highlights by state and territory please visit the 2018-19 Budget page
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