The 35-year-old local man was hit just after 4am on Tuesday by a stolen grey Toyota RAV4 while working on the Ron Camm Bridge in Mackay.

Police say members of the community rendered first aid to the man, however he died at the scene.

Inspector Ian Haughton says a vehicle with damage consistent with the crash was seen heading north of the scene, and was later located abandoned in south Mackay.

"We have since made a number of investigations and inquiries, which led us to an address in the city area and we believe that a person arrested was the driver of the vehicle at the time," he said.

The 28-year-old arrested male is yet to be charged by police but investigations are ongoing, Insp Haughton added.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey described the incident as a tragedy and offered his condolences to the family.

"The 35-year-old traffic controller was simply doing his job when the tragedy occurred," he told parliament.

"I've been informed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Queensland Police Service that a full investigation into the incident is underway."

Australian Associated Press