Bruce Highway works at Bowen, Proserpine, Ayr to resume

Courier Mail, Brisbane

Journalist: Heidi Petith

Safety works on the Bruce Highway between Proserpine and Ayr will restart in the coming months, almost a year after the principal contractor went into voluntary administration.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said negotiations were held with the federal government to get construction “back on track”.

Two projects covering a 6km stretch between Bowen Connection Rd and Champion St intersections were abandoned in February when WBHO Infrastructure went into voluntary administration.

Roadwork crews downed tools and walked off the job two days after the administration was announced.

Newly-appointed contractor FKG Civil will soon resume the $43m works, which are expected to be completed by early 2024.

“FKG Civil will get on with the job early next year (2023),” Mr Bailey said.

“I know this announcement will come as good news for local residents, freight operators and tourists alike.”

Another Whitsundays region Bruce Highway project halted amid WBHO’s collapse will also be resurrected.

RMS Engineering and Construction will restart $38.8m of works between Emu Creek in Proserpine and Drays Rd in Bowen.

Dawson MP Andrew Willcox said “persistence and pressure pays off”.

“We are one tiny step closer to a road that we deserve and I’ll be watching this progress with interest,” Mr Willcox posted to Facebook.

Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert thanked drivers “especially truckies” for their patience during the negotiations.

“Since construction halted, Whitsunday Regional Council has been undertaking maintenance work to preserve the site and ensure it remains in a safe condition for our road users until work can continue,” Mrs Gilbert said.

The projects are part of a 15-year, state and federal-funded $13bn Bruce Highway Upgrade Program aimed at improving safety, flood resilience and capacity between Cairns to Brisbane.