New signs to alert motorists to incidents on Kuranda Range

Published Tuesday, 23 January, 2018 at 08:30 AM

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable Craig Crawford

Electronic message signs will be permanently installed on Kuranda Range Road as part of a $3 million project to manage incidents on the range.

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services and Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said the new signs would provide accurate, timely advice to road users.

“Temporary, trailer-mounted Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) have been in place since late 2015, but we now have a system delivering real-time benefits in terms of traffic conditions, road hazards and incidents on the range,” Mr Crawford said.

“The signs are being placed at key decision-making points on the Kennedy and Captain Cook Highways to allow drivers plenty of time to change their plans if there is an incident.”

Mr Crawford said the project included installing an Automatic Number Plate Recognition system to measure traffic flow on the range.

He said installation of the new signs – due to be switched on next month – coincided with completion of a separate $3 million project to upgrade safety at a crash hot-spot near Streets Creek.

“Widening works were completed late last year and crews are putting the finishing touches to new guardrails,” he said.

“The range is a very challenging environment to work in and I commend the project team for designing and installing a solution with minimal impact on the surrounding sensitive Wet Tropics environment.”

Mr Crawford warned the new upgrades would not prevent unplanned incidents on Kuranda Range.

“This is by no means a ‘silver bullet’ and there will still be crashes or landslips that require lengthy closures for the safety of road users and response crews,” he said.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and all road users should stick to the speed limit and drive to conditions, especially during wet weather.

“For the latest information about traffic and travel conditions motorist should visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.”

Motorists who regularly use Kuranda Range can also subscribe to a free SMS service by calling 13 19 40 and following the prompts.

ENDS

MEDIA 0412 393 909