Australian contractor SGQ has won a contract from the Government of Queensland to install safety barriers between the Sunshine Motorway interchange and Cooroy on the Bruce Highway.

Under the contract, SGQ will be responsible for installing barriers along the centre median for the entire section of the highway running through the Sunshine Coast.

Safety works will decrease the risk of cross-median crashes involving motorists travelling in different directions.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said: “These important safety works involve installing barriers along the centre median of the Bruce Highway from the Sunshine Motorway interchange at Tanawah north to Cooroy.

“This follows on from work starting in May this year to install safety barriers between the Steve Irwin Way exit at Beerburrum and the Caloundra Road interchange.”

“The works are part of a broader Bruce Highway Safety Package, which will upgrade safety at high-risk locations along the complete length of the highway.”

Highway emergency cross-over bays would be constructed as part of the works, which will improve safety on the highway by providing more access points for emergency services.

In order to minimise traffic disruption, work will be carried out during the night when vehicular traffic volumes are lower.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the works are part of a broader Bruce Highway Safety Package, which will upgrade safety at high-risk locations along the complete length of the highway.

O’Brien said: “The A$1.4bn ($991m) Bruce Highway Safety Package is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, including A$831.4m ($588.8m) from the Australian Government.

“The minor inconveniences motorists may experience during construction will be well worth the benefits these safety enhancements will bring.”

Work is scheduled to be completed by the middle of 2020. Nearly 273 jobs are expected to be created throughout the project life.

In 2016, safety barriers were also installed on the Bruce Highway between the Pine River Bridge and Anzac Avenue.