The $150 million Calliope Crossroads upgrade, west of Gladstone, was identified as a short-term priority in the state government’s Bruce Highway upgrade strategy, released in July last year.

Key features of the intersection will include: a 64m long bridge for the Bruce Highway; the Dawson Highway, which will pass under the bridge, will be upgraded to a four lane divided road in the intersection area; on and off ramps for Dawson Highway; traffic lights at the off ramp intersections; and a shared pedestrian/cyclist path beside the Dawson Highway.

Releasing the plans on Monday, Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese announced $80 million would be brought forward to fast-track the project.

“The size of the upgrade reflects the growing importance of the Gladstone region as an economic powerhouse in this state, and the future growth we expect in the area,” Albanese said.

“In fact, such is its importance we brought forward $80 million from our nation building program to fast track the project.”

Community consultation on the plans will take place until Saturday, February 18 and construction on the project is expected to begin in June.

This story first appeared on ILN's sister publication ConstructionIndustryNews.net.