TINANA INTERCHANGE OPENS TO THE PUBLIC

The $38 million Tinana interchange upgrade on the Bruce Highway reached a crucial milestone last week with the official opening of the new interchange, proudly built by Georgiou Group.

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The $38 million Tinana interchange upgrade on the Bruce Highway reached a crucial milestone last week with the official opening of the new interchange, proudly built by Georgiou Group.

Federal Transport and Infrastructure Minister Darren Chester said the restructured interchange was another step towards delivering a safer, more efficient Bruce Highway for motorists and industry throughout Queensland.

“This interchange is another milestone in our jointly funded $8.5 billion Bruce Highway 10 year upgrade program,” Mr Chester said.

Northbound motorists travelling to Maryborough and Hervey Bay could now exit the highway via a new off-ramp, and both lanes of through traffic could travel under the new overpass while safely separated by a wide centreline.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said construction contractor, Georgiou Group, would remain onsite over the coming weeks to complete the final pavement, guard rail and landscape works as well as removing the side track connections.

“For the continued safety of road workers and motorists, speed reductions will remain in place until the whole project is completed, however the highway speed limit will return to 100 km/h upon full completion,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This project has been great news for local employment, with an estimated 118 direct jobs supported over the life of the project, and has transformed the main gateway to Maryborough and the Fraser Coast into a safe, inviting and welcoming entrance for locals and visitors to our region.

“The transport industry and local businesses will benefit from the more efficient movement of freight, tourists will find the interchange more appealing and be more inclined to visit the Fraser Coast, and local motorists will feel safer as they travel between their homes and the highway.”

The Australian Government has committed up to $30.4 million and the Queensland Government $7.6 million to fund the $38 million Bruce Highway – Tinana Interchange project.