Australia's Queensland Government has called for tenders nine months ahead of schedule for construction of the A$515m ($385m) Bruce Highway Haughton River Floodplain upgrade project at the south of Townsville city. 

Project works will be carried out as part of Australian Government’s A$50bn ($37bn) infrastructure investment programme.

For this jointly funded project, the Australian Government will provide A$412m ($307m), with Queensland's authority allocating A$103m ($76.9m).

Australian Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said: “The results of our spending on the highway are there for all to see, from new overtaking lanes and wider medians to new interchanges, bridges and bypasses.

“Floodproofing works such as these help keep north Queensland’s economy functioning during the wet season, which means job security for residents and dollars into the cash registers of local businesses.”

"Floodproofing works such as these help keep north Queensland’s economy functioning during the wet season."

The project has been designed to address one of the worst flooding spots on the Bruce Highway.

Queensland Minister for Main Roads Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey said: “A 14km section of the Bruce Highway, approximately 50km south of Townsville and 30km north of Ayr will be upgraded, including replacement of the narrow Haughton River Bridge.”

Construction works are expected to begin in mid-2018 and are scheduled for completion in mid-2021, depending on the weather conditions.

Upgrade works are expected to provide a better connectivity for people living in Burdekin Shire and also will improve access for industry, freight and tourism sectors.