The safety improvements are underway to strengthen and widen approximately 13km of the Peak Downs Highway, north of Clermont.
The $11.5 million safety upgrades include widening and putting in a safer two-lane highway, which will better accommodate over-size and over-mass freight vehicles.
The Peak Downs Highway is a strategic road linking mining and agricultural activities in the Bowen Basin and the Central Highlands districts to Emerald and Mackay, and to the ports of Mackay, Abbot Point and Hay Point.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Wolfang Road intersection would be upgraded, along with three sections of the highway, between Tea Tree Creek bridge and Myall Creek crossing.
"The highway is being strengthened and widened, making it safer for oversized and over-mass vehicles, as well as regular road users," Mr McCormack said.
"Two heavy vehicle stopping bays will be upgraded, and a new, protected right turn at the Wolfang Road intersection will improve safety for road train drivers.
"The project is a partnership between the Australian and Queensland governments through the Australian Government's Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, which improves safety and productivity for heavy vehicle operators."
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said traffic volumes were expected to increase on the Peak Downs Highway.
"Just over three kilometres of road will be widened to nine metres, with one-metre shoulders, to increase separation between heavy vehicles, caravans and light vehicles," Mr Bailey said.
"Widening three sections will enable safer overtaking opportunities, so drivers don't take unnecessary risks.
"We're also tackling fatigue for heavy vehicle drivers by upgrading two informal stopping bays."
Assistant Minister for Northern Australia and Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the wider road will also enable safer overtaking opportunities.
"Discouraging drivers from taking unnecessary risks by providing adequate overtaking facilities is a key part of saving lives on the Peak Downs Highway," Ms Landry said.
"This is another example of the Australian Government working toward Vision Zero on our roads by investing in safety improvements - zero deaths and zero serious injuries is our ultimate goal."
Queensland Assistant Minister for Regional Roads Bruce Saunders said upgrading Queensland's regional roads and highways was critical to improving safety for communities and industries that drive them regularly.
"The areas serviced by the Peak Downs Highway are major contributors to our state's economy," Mr Saunders said.
"Work on a $35 million upgrade of a 14km section of the Peak Downs Highway between Wuthung Road and Caval Ridge is due to wrap up in a few months.
"The project has supported over 100 jobs over the past year, so it's good to see more work getting started on other sections of the highway now and supporting even more jobs."
The $6 million strengthening and widening project is funded through the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program on a 50:50 split between the Australian and Queensland governments.
The $5.5 million Wolfang Road intersection upgrade is being delivered through the Road Safety Program on an 80:20 split.
RoadTek is carrying out the work, which is expected to be completed later this year (2021), weather permitting.
