New signage plan saves Queensland drivers time

Queenslanders driving to work and home to their families will be able to get there safer, more quickly and with fewer frustrations with an improved signage system around roadworks.

Premier Campbell Newman joined Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson to inspect progress on the $296 million Yeppen South project site near Rockhampton, and announce the new approach that delivered on the election promise to provide better infrastructure and planning.

“One of the greatest frustrations for drivers is having to slow to a crawl when there are no roadworks taking place – whether that’s at night or on the weekend,” Mr Newman said.

“Under this new approach, engineers will be required to return signs to a safe speed when works aren’t being carried out.

“At the same time we’ll be working with police to step up enforcement around roadworks.

“We will be rolling this out to roadworks across the state to deliver more consistent signage, crack down on speeding and educate drivers and traffic managers of the dangers around roadworks.

“Labor neglected roads for more than a decade and did not consider it to be a priority, but we know our major highways are an economic lifeline.

“Improving signage will make them more efficient and eliminate the delays that impact thousands of people.”

Mr Emerson said the $8.5 billion deal with the Federal Government to fix the Bruce Highway, including a record $770 million this year, was a great example of where the new roadworks system would benefit drivers on long journeys.

“Our new Spruce the Bruce campaign is about asking Queenslanders to be patient and drive safely as we fix the Bruce Highway, but we still want to make sure we are doing everything we can to get drivers where they are going sooner,” Mr Emerson said.

“Our new approach will see drivers being better educated on the delays and will reduce the wait time as much as we can.

“We’re delivering on our promise to provide better infrastructure and planning in the most efficient way possible.

“We're spending $4.8 billion in 2014-15 on roads, a 37% increase compared to Labor. Over the next four years we'll spend $18.1 billion on road projects aimed at getting Queenslanders home safer and sooner.

“I thank all drivers for their patience and assistance as we future-proof our Queensland roads.”

All drivers are encouraged to measure our performance. If you see something that can be improved around roadworks, call 131940 or let us know at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Contact-us

[ENDS] 22 August 2014

Media contact: Sarah Henderson 0409 827 773 (Minister Emerson)