Major road projects are planned that will improve the network in Queensland and New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
One of the biggest projects for Australia will be works to improve the Bruce Highway in Queensland. The contractor FKG Civil will carry out works to the route in Bowen, widening the road, improving the centre line area, installing new guard rail and upgrading an intersection. The contract was awarded by the Queensland State Government. Both the Queensland State Government and the Australian Federal Government are funding a wider programme of upgrades for the Bruce Highway (the BHUP) from Cairns to Brisbane, of which this contract forms part. A total of US$8.95 billion (A$13 billion) is being spent on the Bruce Highway revamp over a 15-year period.
A major package of works in NSW will be handled by a joint venture comprising John Holland and Gamuda and Seymour Whyte Constructions. The firms will work on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension project, due for completion in 2028. The contract is worth $1.45 billion (A$2.1 billion). A 10km extension of the M1 will run between Black Hill and Tomago. SMEC Australia, Daracon Contractors and Georgiou Group will also undertake upgrade work for a 6km section of the Pacific Highway. And a further 5km section will bypass Heatherbrae, which will be built by Whyte Construction.
In addition, the NSW Government is spending $344.1 million (A$500 million) to repair and maintain roads that have been damaged by recent heavy rains. Pothole patching will be prioritised for regional councils across the state. This comes in addition to previous funding for road repairs in NSW.