The $85 million project, set for completion in 2014, sees the intersection between Bruce and Capricorn highways receive upgrades.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the project will duplicate the Bruce Highway between the Yeppen roundabout and the Jellicoe Street/Upper Dawson Road intersection.

“It will also install a slip lane from the Capricorn Highway to the Bruce, erect traffic lights at the intersection between Jellicoe Street and Upper Dawson Road, and make safety improvements at the Port Curtis Road and Ferguson Street intersection,” said Albanese.

Over the five years to 2008, the section of highway has been the scene of 62 crashes, making it the region's most dangerous stretch of road.

Capricornia MP Kirsten Livermore said the planned improvements would significantly ease congestion at what is an important intersection between the two major highways.

“In particular, the upgrade will improve traffic flows into and out of the Stanwell Industrial Corridor, the port of Gladstone and the mining areas to the south and west of the City,” Livermore said.

Fulton Hogan’s Queensland branch has a $40 million contract to deliver the upgrade.

This article first appeared in ILN's sister publication ConstructionIndustryNews.net.