The first contract pays Georgiou $4.6 million to straighten the approaches to the Walker Street intersection – the scene of a number of crashes in recent years.

Under the deal, the company will upgrade the southbound exit lane onto Walker Street and extend the right-turn lane off the highway. It will also resurface the intersection and upgrade its drainage.

Georgiou also won a $6 million contract to build a 1.1km southbound overtaking lane along the highway near Bauple, 40km south of Maryborough.

The federal government said this project would provide another opportunity for motorists to pass slower moving vehicles safely, complementing the safety improvements completed last year at the nearby intersection with Bauple Drive.

Both projects are expected to be completed by the middle of next year.

The Bruce Highway is a multibillion-dollar capital works program that employs more than 3500 people, directly and indirectly.

Other projects scheduled under the Bruce Highway upgrade include the installation of 50 new overtaking lanes, as well as 24 rest areas and stopping places.

The federal government is also looking at fixing more than 100 black spots between Caboolture and Cairns.