The Government of Queensland in Australia has announced the opening of the new southbound section of the Bruce Highway between Cudgerie Drive and Cooroy.

The government has spent about A$490m ($365m), as part of the road upgrade programme on the 7.5km highway stretch between Cooroy to Curra Section A.

Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said: “The Cooroy to Curra -Section A project will see 13.5 kilometres of the highway, between the Cooroy southern interchange and Sankeys Road, upgraded to a four-lane divided highway.

"Seeing traffic take to the southbound carriageway is a real milestone as it’s one of the final steps in completing the project."

“Seeing traffic take to the southbound carriageway is a real milestone as it’s one of the final steps in completing the project.

“The Bruce Highway is one of the most important road transport links in the country and these works are a major improvement to safety and efficiency for all motorists.”

The Australian and Queensland Governments have funded the A$490m ($365m) project under a 50:50 funding arrangement.

Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said: “It is estimated that an average of 433 jobs will be supported over the life of the project, and the more efficient travel times are great news for businesses throughout the region.

“At this point, only one lane in each direction is in use until additional works are completed early next year, but this is the first time both northbound and southbound traffic will travel on the entire Section A alignment between Cooroy and Federal.”

Bailey further explained that the Section A project would support the region’s economic growth.