ALMOST $30 million will be spent upgrading the Bruce Highway south of Ingham, with work set to start in August.
A 7.3km section of the highway between Hechts Road and Easter Creek at Bambaroo will be widened as part of the $29.2 million safety package.
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said improving the safety standards of the Bruce Highway was vital to supporting motorists reach their destinations safely.
"This package of works at Bambaroo, about 90 kilometres north of Townsville, will deliver vital improvements to road safety on several sections of the highway, benefitting motorists travelling between Townsville and Ingham," Mr McCormack said.
"The result will be a wider, safer highway with improved visibility and access, better overtaking opportunities and a reduced risk of head-on collisions for motorists."
Mr McCormack said the upgrades would generate about 50 jobs for construction workers, local contractors and other businesses in the supply chain.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said almost $140 million was locked in for major upgrades to the Bruce between Townsville and Ingham in the next few years.
Mr Bailey said $24.9 million was being spent to upgrade intersections and build new overtaking lanes at Bluewater, with the project set to be finalised later this year.
"We also expect to call construction tenders for the jointly funded $107.7 million Townsville Northern Access Intersections Upgrade project that will duplicate the highway between Veales Road and Pope Road, including a new bridge over Black River," Mr Bailey said.
The project will deliver safety improvements at four Bruce Highway intersections including Catastis Road, Scrubview Road, Jourama Falls Road and Yuruga Road.
The construction contract was recently awarded to BMD Constructions.
New north and southbound overtaking lanes will be built on a separated carriageway between Little Gin Creek and Water View Creek to further improve safety and overtaking opportunities for motorists travelling between Ingham and Townsville.
Of the $29.2 million, $12.2 million for the overtaking lanes will be funded by the federal government under the $307.83 million Bruce Highway Overtaking Lane Program and the remaining $16.97 million will be jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 basis.