Road upgrades in Wallan, north of Melbourne, are running ahead of schedule. The Watson Street Interchange Upgrade is more than halfway complete and is due to open six months early, in mid-2027. The $175 million project is jointly funded by the federal and Victorian governments, and is supporting more than 1,100 construction jobs. The Northern Highway Intersection Upgrade is also on track to finish six months early. Both north-facing freeway ramps remain closed until mid-November, and drivers should allow up to 20 minutes of extra travel time.
Construction has started on two sections of the Bruce Highway at Gairloch, between Ingham and Cardwell in north Queensland. The Gairloch to Ripple Creek section will be widened and have improved drainage. The Ingham-Halifax-Bemerside Road and Cardwell Range section will also be widened. Both projects aim to improve safety and reduce flood-related closures during the wet season. The works form part of the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, with 18 projects completed so far.
The final stage of a $12 million upgrade to the Tycannah rest areas on the Newell Highway in northeast inland NSW is underway. The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are jointly funding the project, which will deliver flushable toilets, heavy vehicle parking, and improved facilities for all road users. The upgrades aim to provide safer and more accessible places for truck drivers to manage fatigue on a key freight route.
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The federal and NSW governments are jointly investing $1.2 billion to upgrade regional roads, including routes between Newcastle and Dubbo, Muswellbrook and Armidale, and Euston and Tocumwal. The funding will improve freight movement, add overtaking lanes, and enhance rest stops. NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the upgrades would support various industries, not just renewable energy projects. Premier Chris Minns said the investments would boost the economy and improve safety.
