Burnett Highway safety upgrade reflects Palaszczuk Government investment

Special green reflectors have been installed at 21 sites on the Burnett Highway to alert heavy vehicles of upcoming stopping places.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the initiative was a first for the Wide Bay Burnett district.

“The purpose of installing 3 - 2 - 1 green reflectors is to enhance safety for all motorists around stopping places used by heavy vehicles,” Mr Bailey said.

“The reflectors are spaced out to warn heavy vehicle drivers of upcoming stopping places.

“Motorists will see three green reflectors on a guide post 500 metres before the stopping place, two green reflectors at 250 metres and one green reflector immediately before.

“The sites chosen are flat, meet visibility requirements, provide easy access for heavy vehicles and are long enough and wide enough to accommodate one parking space.”

Mr Bailey said the advanced notice provided by the reflectors would greatly benefit heavy vehicle drivers and nearby motorists.

“Providing advance warning gives heavy vehicle operators enough time to slow down and prevent unsafe braking manoeuvres,” he said.

“Fatigue is one of the fatal five driving behaviours and it is a significant safety hazard for the road transport industry.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s $40,000 investment toward this project, under its Minor Road Safety Program, will provide heavy vehicle drivers with more opportunities to stop, revive and survive.”

Queensland Trucking Association chief executive Gary Mahon welcomed the Palaszczuk Government’s investment in the project. 

“Initiatives such as this will not only assist in managing the risk of fatigue for heavy vehicle drivers but significantly improve safety for the road transport industry and all Queensland road users,” he said. 

Mr Bailey said the reflectors were part of the Palaszczuk Government’s ongoing record investment in the Wide Bay Burnett region. 

“In this year’s budget, we announced $150.6 million in roads and transport funding for the region, which will support an average of 937 direct local jobs over the next four years and ultimately improve motorists’ safety,” he said. 

For more information contact 1300 728 390 or email bundaberg.office@tmr.qld.gov.au.

Background:

There are 21 sites where 3 - 2 – 1 reflectors were installed on the Burnett Highway from Coominglah to Nanango. 

ENDS

Media contact: Dominic Geiger, 0447355565