The Bruce Highway at Yellow Gin Creek south of Ayr, Australia, is set for an upgrade following the receipt of approval of $33m in government funding to build a new bridge.

Australia Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the upgrade will improve safety and boost connectivity for freight vehicles, tourists and local motorists as well.

Truss said: "This investment is another example of the Australian Government delivering on its commitment to improve productivity on our national highway network."

"This investment is another example of the Australian Government delivering on its commitment to improve productivity on our national highway network."

As part of the project upgrade, the existing low-level floodway crossing over Yellow Gin Creek will be replaced with a new raised bridge, in addition to modernising the highway on the approaches to the bridge.

The project works are also set to create a safer route along the 1.6km stretch of the Bruce Highway over Yellow Gin Creek.

Construction on the bridge upgrade will begin during later in the year, with completion slated to take place in late 2016.

The Yellow Gin Creek Bridge upgrade will receive a $9m contribution from the Queensland government.

The new section of the Bruce Highway is expected to provide a vital link for interstate and interregional freight movements.

Federal member for Dawson George Christensen said based on average traffic statistics it was found that more than 3,000 vehicles travel across the Yellow Gin Creek Bridge daily.