The Albanese Labor Government is building the Somerset Region’s future with a major funding boost to improve road safety, and economic growth and connectivity along the Brisbane Valley Highway.

The Albanese Government will contribute a further $20 million for the Brisbane Valley Highway Safety Upgrades project, for a total Australian Government commitment of $40 million.

This latest investment builds on the previous joint funding commitment of $40.5 million between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Somerset Regional Council that was announced in the SEQ City Deal.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said a further $20 million for the Brisbane Valley Highway Safety upgrades project would greatly improve safety and connectivity along what is the main artery between the Somerset Region and South East Queensland.

“The Somerset Region is economically dependent on the Brisbane Valley Highway, a major arterial road that carries up to 11,000 vehicles per day,” Mr Neumann said.

“The combined funding will deliver improvements aimed at reducing fatalities and injuries along this key freight and commuter corridor.”

Works will include dedicated turning lanes at intersections to reduce the risk of rear-end crashes.

These works will build on previous state-funded safety improvements, including resealing, shoulder widening and other safety treatments on the section from the Warrego Highway to Fernvale, as well as upgrades to pedestrian facilities, and pavement strengthening and rehabilitation. 

Somerset Regional Council will undertake planning for four lanes between Warrego Highway and Fernvale, and overtaking lanes in each direction between Fernvale and Esk, Esk and Toogoolawah, Toogoolawah and Harlin, and Harlin and the D’Aguilar Highway intersection.

Planning and detailed design work is expected to be completed by mid-2026, with tendering and construction to then follow.

The project will have a variable scope to deliver as many safety upgrades as possible, in order of priority based on individual intersections’ risk profile.

“The Brisbane Valley Highway is a busy highway with a significant number of vehicles using it to travel in and out of Ipswich every day, and I have been advocating strongly for action to address safety concerns along this major corridor,” Mr Neumann said.

“There have been too many lives lost to road trauma on the Brisbane Valley Highway, which is why we are taking action to keep locals safe on our roads and future-proof the highway.

“This builds on the Australian Government’s funding commitment as part of the SEQ City Deal Implementation Plan back in July 2023, and I’m really looking forward to seeing this project take shape.”