Queensland opens Tinana interchange on Bruce Highway

Australia's Queensland Government has opened the Tinana interchange on the Bruce Highway after completing A$38m ($29.9m) worth of upgrades.

Federal transport and infrastructure minister Darren Chester noted that the opening of the newly upgraded interchange was part of government’s initiative to deliver a safer and efficient highway for motorists and industry across the state.

He said: “This interchange is another milestone in our jointly funded A$8.5bn Bruce Highway ten-year upgrade programme.

“Every dollar we invest in upgrading the Bruce Highway is an investment in lives, local businesses and regional growth. Better roads and highways can change lives and save lives.”

The opening of the Tinana interchange will enable northbound motorists travelling to Maryborough and Hervey Bay to exit the highway through a new off-ramp.

The Australian and Queensland Governments have respectively committed up to A$30.4m ($23.9m) and A$7.6m ($5.9m) for the Bruce Highway-Tinana Interchange project.

The construction of the new upgrade project was awarded to Georgiou Group, which will remain on-site for the coming weeks to complete the final pavement, guard rail and landscape works.

The opening of the new interchange is expected to see an improvement to travel times and road safety, as well as an efficient movement of freight.

Traffic signals will also be installed at the Gympie Road and Iindah Road West intersection, approximately 440m east of the interchange.