A dangerous intersection on the Bruce Highway at Maryborough will receive a major safety upgrade, with the Queensland Government announcing plans to construct a new dual-lane, four-leg roundabout at the intersection of Bruce Highway and Walker Street.
The decision follows a tragic 2024 crash at the intersection, where three people died in a fiery five-vehicle collision. One of the trucks involved was carrying lithium batteries, which contributed to a significant fire at the scene. The crash increased community calls for improvements to the intersection and stronger safety measures for motorists using the busy highway.
The Queensland Government said construction of the new roundabout is expected to begin in 2027 following detailed design work and planning. The project is intended to improve traffic flow, reduce dangerous turning movements and create a safer environment for both local drivers and heavy vehicles travelling along the Bruce Highway.
The Bruce Highway is one of Queensland’s most important transport routes, connecting major regional centres and carrying significant numbers of passenger vehicles, freight trucks and heavy transport vehicles every day. Safety improvements along the highway have been a long-running focus due to increasing traffic volumes and the challenges of managing regional road conditions.
Assistant Minister for Transport and Main Roads Sam O’Connor said the government had taken a detailed approach to planning the upgrade and would now move towards delivering the project. Officials said the design would provide better safety outcomes for the Maryborough community and highway users.
Road safety groups have supported the roundabout proposal, saying it is an effective way to reduce vehicle speeds and minimise dangerous conflict points at intersections. Modern roundabouts are commonly used as safety treatments because they slow vehicles and reduce the likelihood of severe right-angle and head-on crashes.
Transport experts have also highlighted the importance of upgrading the intersection due to increasing traffic demand. Engineers said the location experiences more than 10,000 vehicles per day, with heavy vehicles forming a significant proportion of traffic. The upgrade is expected to improve access for Maryborough residents while supporting regional freight movement.
For local residents, the announcement represents a long-awaited response to concerns about safety at the intersection. Families affected by the 2024 crash have previously called for action to prevent similar tragedies occurring in the future.
The project will now move through further design and construction planning before work begins in 2027.
