As we navigate the roads of Queensland, there's one that has consistently raised the blood pressure of motorists and has now been officially crowned the state's most despised road. The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) has released its biannual Unroadworthy Roads Survey, and the results are as follows: the Bruce Highway takes the dubious honour of being the road Queenslanders love to hate.

Spanning approximately 1,700km, the Bruce Highway is a vital artery that connects Brisbane to Cairns, but it's also a source of frustration and concern for those who travel it. With 167 scathing pieces of feedback, it's clear that road users are far from happy with the conditions they face on this lengthy stretch of asphalt.


The Bruce Highway is a road of contrasts, with sections varying from a single lane in each direction to up to four lanes as it leaves Brisbane. However, it's the road's rough surface, narrow lanes, lack of overtaking opportunities, and susceptibility to flooding that have drawn the ire of motorists, particularly in areas such as Wide Bay, Central, and North Queensland.


The RACQ's head of public policy, Dr Michael Kane, has highlighted the urgency of addressing the issues plaguing the Bruce Highway. The statistics are alarming: the stretch between Childers and Gin Gin is notorious for being almost ten times more likely to witness a fatal or serious injury crash compared to the Hume Highway in New South Wales. This year alone, the death toll on the Bruce Highway has already surpassed the five-year average, with 30 lives lost by September.


The RACQ's Fix the Bruce campaign has gained momentum, with the Queensland Opposition backing the call for action in the lead-up to this year's election. The campaign's demands are clear: a 10-year funding arrangement to upgrade all poorly rated 2-star sections of the highway and a plea for the Federal Government to resume an 80:20 infrastructure funding split with the State Government. After all, the Bruce Highway is not just a state road; it's a national concern, and it requires the Federal Government's commitment to bring it up to par with other national highways.

But the Bruce Highway isn't the only road that's causing headaches for Queenslanders. The Kennedy Highway, which previously ranked 11th in the last Unroadworthy Roads Survey, has also been a point of contention. And let's not forget Mount Mee Road, north of Brisbane, which, despite its shorter length of about 35km, has received 52 complaints. That's more than 1.6 complaints per kilometre! Known as a popular route for motorcyclists, it's been criticised for its disrepair, large potholes, numerous blind corners, and a lack of overtaking opportunities.

These findings from the RACQ serve as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and infrastructure investment. As we continue to rely on these roads for our daily commutes, leisurely rides, and long-distance travels, it's imperative that we advocate for improvements that will ensure the safety and satisfaction of all road users.


We invite our readers to share their experiences on the Bruce Highway and other Queensland roads. Have you encountered the same issues highlighted in the RACQ survey? What changes would you like to see to make your journey safer and more enjoyable? Your feedback is not only valuable to us at the Seniors Discount Club but could also contribute to the ongoing conversation about road safety and infrastructure in our beautiful state.