A project to upgrade a dangerous intersection between the Scenic Highway and Matthew Flinders Drive in Yeppoon in Central Queensland has begun construction.
Queensland Main Roads and Road Safety Minister, Mark Bailey, said the $1.15 million project would improve road safety and reduce road accidents in Central Queensland.
“This intersection will soon have traffic lights, turning lanes and cyclists crossing facilities, which will reduce the chance of road accidents and ensure more people arrive at their destination safely,” Mr Bailey said.
“Road deaths in 2016 on Queensland roads sadly exceeded the previous two years and this is simply unacceptable, that’s why upgrading known problem intersections like this is a priority.”
Livingstone Shire Mayor, Bill Ludwig, said community feedback had overwhelmingly endorsed the council’s commitment to continuously improve road safety for the region.
“Currently, right-turning traffic to and from Matthew Flinders Drive and Robinson Street must take a risky manoeuvre cutting across the Scenic Highway, which can also be a real hazard for cyclists crossing the side roads,” Mr Ludwig said.
“When complete, this project will provide a safer and more efficient traffic flow, especially during the school run, as well as improved pedestrian and cyclist access through the intersection.
“Projects like these, which help keep our communities safe, are the greatest investment governments at all levels can make.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, said the unacceptable number of deaths and serious injuries in 2016 had only strengthened the Australian Government’s resolve on addressing road safety issues across the nation.
“It is extremely encouraging when local governments decide to use their Australian Government Roads to Recovery funding on fixing dangerous roads,” Mr Chester said.
“With all three levels of government working together to get this upgrade finished by June this year, the completed intersection will play a role in our efforts to reduce deaths and serious injuries.”
Queensland Member for Keppel, Brittany Lauga, said works on the Scenic Highway and Matthew Flinders Drive intersection were expected to be completed by the end of June 2017, weather permitting.
“Local motorists know just how dangerous this trouble spot can be, so this upgrade is great news for the community and I’m pleased to see work underway,” Ms Lauga said.
The works have been jointly funded with the Queensland Government contributing $575,000, Livingstone Shire Council contributing $308,000 and the Australian Government $267,000 from the Roads to Recovery program.
