Queensland’s Wide Bay-Burnett civil sector has a major pipeline of work ahead, with procurement now open for the $336 million Tiaro Bypass on the Bruce Highway between Gympie and Maryborough.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads went to market in late July 2026 for main construction works on the 8.5-kilometre, four-lane highway to be built east of the Tiaro township. The project is jointly funded 80:20 by the Australian and Queensland governments, the federal contribution is $268.8 million, with the state putting in $67.4 million. Additional federal money committed in the 2026-27 Budget pushed the project to procurement, according to Queensland Government ministerial statements.
Detailed design is complete, handled by Arup and SMEC. The scope includes two grade-separated interchanges on the northern and southern approaches to Tiaro, a concrete centre median, and flood immunity built to a one-in-100-year standard. Construction timeframes won’t be locked in until a contractor is appointed.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the bypass is important for the efficiency of the Bruce Highway and for the many people who use it daily. Queensland Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government is committed to delivering a safer, more resilient Bruce Highway. Member for Maryborough John Barounis put it plainly: “Anyone who has driven through Tiaro over the school holidays knows how long you can get stuck in traffic trying to get through town.”
The project sits within the broader $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program. Community consultation has been running since 2019, making this a long time coming for local contractors.
For civil contractors in the region, the work covers earthworks, bridging, drainage, concreting, and road surfacing. With 490 direct jobs forecast over the project’s life, suitably qualified operators should register on the TMR tender portal now. Contract award and a confirmed start date are the next milestones to watch.
Frequently asked questions
How is the Tiaro Bypass being funded?
The project is jointly funded on an 80:20 split. The Australian Government is contributing $268.8 million and the Queensland Government $67.4 million, with additional federal money from the 2026-27 Budget helping push it to procurement.
What trades and civil work does the Tiaro Bypass involve?
The scope covers earthworks, bridging, drainage, concreting, and road surfacing. It also includes two grade-separated interchanges and a concrete centre median over 8.5 kilometres of four-lane highway.
When will construction start on the Tiaro Bypass?
Construction timeframes won’t be confirmed until a contractor is appointed. Contract award is the next milestone to watch after the procurement process closes.
How do I register interest as a contractor?
Suitably qualified operators should register on TMR’s tender portal. The full scope and design details are listed on the TMR project page for the Tiaro Bypass.
Sourced from Infrastructure Magazine, Queensland Government Ministerial Media Statements, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads. Original article.
