Queensland opens Bruce Highway/Boundary Road interchange

Queensland's Boundary Road interchange has officially opened on the Bruce Highway, north of Brisbane in Australia, after completing A$100.4m ($80.4m) of upgrade works.

The project is reported to have been completed six months ahead of schedule.

Australia Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Darren Chester said: “This project is a great example of how the Australian Government’s investment in infrastructure is improving lives and saving lives at the grassroots.

"The Boundary Road interchange is going to help commuters get where they need to go more easily and safely, and I’m impressed at how these works have been completed six months ahead of schedule.

"The new interchange is just one outcome from our jointly funded $8.5bn ten-year Bruce Highway upgrade programme, which is delivering better roads right around Queensland."

Chester further explained that the early completion of the interchange at Narangba will benefit local residents and businesses, as well as other drivers using the Bruce Highway.

"The Boundary Road interchange is going to help commuters get where they need to go more easily and safely."

The upgrade is a jointly funded project, with the Australian Government providing A$80.3m ($64.5m) and A$20.1m ($16.1m) coming from the Queensland Government.

Queensland Minister for Main Roads Road Safety and Ports Steven Miles said: "The new six lane bridge over the highway, which is the centrepiece of this new interchange, has transformed this area for the growing Narangba community, by moving traffic through more quickly and greatly benefiting local commuters, cyclists, pedestrians and businesses in the area.”

Miles added explained that the new interchange will feature longer on and off-ramps in order to improve safety for motorists entering and exiting the highway and a separate shared user path to help pedestrians and cyclists safely navigate the interchange.

By incorporating these new changes, Miles anticipates that it would significantly ease traffic congestion, improves safety, as well as meets traffic growth for years to come.