Motorists travelling along the Bruce Highway between Bowen and Proserpine have been enduring endless traffic lights and extended delays for several months and Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said that the frustration is causing drivers to “do silly things”.
“I realise the situation is challenging but it has been going on for so long and there are so many areas sectioned off – why can’t they just make it safe?”
Transport and Main Roads (TMR) are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the highway which had been receiving $69 million of major upgrades which began in August 2021.
When WBHO Infrastructure, the South African company contracted to deliver the upgrade, went broke in February this year, roadwork crews downed tools and walked off three job sites, ceasing work along three Bruce Highway upgrade projects.
The company was delivering the $38.8 million Emu Creek to Drays Road upgrade, the $8.03 million Bowen Connection Road upgrade and the $22 million dollar works between Bowen and Ayr.
Great swaths of the highway have been playing host to kilometres of abandoned roadworks since February and, despite no crews on site, the speed restrictions and traffic control measures are still in-place.
Andrew Willcox, who travels between his hometown of Bowen to the southern end of his constituency most weeks, says that the 45 minute drive between Proserpine and Bowen often takes an hour and a half.
In addition, he has noticed some motorists make dangerous choices.
Talking to TMR on behalf of the community, Mr Willcox said he was informed they are making progress.
“But it’s been way too long!” he said.
“The standard of road is, and I quote many of you who have expressed your concerns to me, ‘a goat track and a disgrace’. This is just not good enough!
“Putting lives at risk every day, how many more accidents have to happen before TMR and the Queensland Government get the job done?”
The Roadworks between Bowen and Proserpine have been abandoned for over six months
Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox says it’s time the job was finished
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