The Bruce Highway is Queensland’s major north-south freight and commuter corridor. It connects coastal population centres from Brisbane to Cairns and forms a vital part of the National Land Transport Network.

Under the current alignment, the Bruce Highway passes through the town centre of Tiaro, north of Gympie. This results in problems associated with poor safety and congestion. Additionally, flood related closures of the highway at Tiaro lead to significant disruption and isolation of the township. These issues are consistent with the nationally significant problems faced along other sections of the highway, as outlined in the Bruce Highway upgrade listing on the Infrastructure Priority List.

The Tiaro Bypass Project seeks to improve the efficiency, safety and resilience of the Bruce Highway, through the development of a bypass to the east of Tiaro.

The Australian Government has committed $268.8 million towards the project.