Construction will soon begin on a $12.5 million upgrade of the Bruce Highway and Buxton Road intersection at Isis River, south of Bundaberg, aimed at improving safety, freight efficiency and local access.

The project will deliver dedicated right and left-turn lanes into Buxton Road, a local service station and fruit orchard, while also improving access for nearby property owners.

The upgrade is expected to improve traffic flow along the Bruce Highway by separating through and turning vehicles, helping reduce the risk of rear-end crashes and improving conditions for freight operators travelling through the corridor.

The project is being delivered as part of the $1 billion Bruce Highway Safety Package, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.

It is one of the final projects being completed under the package, alongside ongoing works being delivered through the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program between Gympie and Cairns.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the project would improve safety and connectivity for local communities.

“The upgrade of the Bruce Highway and Buxton Road intersection at Isis River is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving road safety and connectivity across Queensland,” King said.

“This upgrade will improve safety for local residents as well as supporting local businesses and freight.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, said the project would deliver important safety and efficiency benefits.

“Safety is the Queensland Government’s top priority,” Mickelberg said.

“This intersection upgrade strikes the right balance of safety, access and efficiency in one of the region’s most important transport corridors.”

Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm, said the project would strengthen a key freight and community link.

“The Federal Government has listened to the Buxton community’s calls for safer and better access at this key intersection,” Chisholm said.

“The Bruce Highway is a lifeline for Queensland’s economy, connecting communities and supporting industries across the state, so upgrading this intersection is important to improving that link.”

State Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett, said the works would be welcomed by the local community.

“Buxton locals know how important these upgrades are,” Bennett said.

“For a long time, the community has voiced the need for better and safer roads to grow and thrive.

“With construction starting soon, we are one step closer to delivering the roads and infrastructure for a growing Queensland.”