The Australian Government has approved funding for a $56 million Intelligent Transport System (ITS) to deliver a safety warning system along the length of the Bruce Highway – giving drivers immediate updates on the status of the road ahead.
Local MPs Ted O’Brien and Andrew Wallace said the initiative was another way the Federal Government was upgrading the Bruce between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
“The North Coast stretch will include three CCTV cameras to identify traffic accidents and potential congestion points and two flood warning systems so road closures can be better planned and drivers better informed about alternative routes,” Mr O’Brien said.
“There’ll also be seven Bluetooth Vehicle Detection Systems which monitor real time traffic flows by counting individual vehicles and triggering alarms when abnormal conditions are detected.”
An electronic information system advising motorists of emergencies, delays, closures, detours, traffic conditions and travel times will also be installed.
“The ITS project is all about improving incident identification for road users,” Mr Wallace said.
“Delays and associated safety issues are a major cause of driver frustration. These measures aim to shorten travel times and reduce crashes.
“Along the length of the Bruce 473 different items will be installed with implementation of the ITS infrastructure expected to begin in late 2019 and be completed by mid-2021,” he said.
The Bruce Highway Road Operations Improvements project is jointly funded with the Australian Government committing up to $44.8 million and the Queensland Government committing up to $11.2 million.
The 10 year Bruce Highway Upgrade Program is funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, with the Australian Government contributing up to $6.7 billion.