GREEN LIGHT FOR INNISFAIL'S SECOND SIGNAL SET

A $1.5 million project has been given the green light to start installing Innisfail’s second set of traffic signals.

Australian Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, Jim Lloyd, and Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, said the traffic lights would be funded from the Australian Government’s $220 million Accelerated Bruce Highway Upgrade Package (Townsville-Cairns).

Mr Lloyd said the intersection Grace and Edith Streets (Bruce Highway) had been chosen as the site for a second set of traffic lights in Innisfail.

“The new set of traffic lights will help relieve growing traffic congestion on the Bruce Highway through Innisfail and improve safety on local streets.

“It’s a low cost, high benefit project funded by the $220 million provided by the Australian Government to address safety and flooding issues on the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Cairns.

“Innisfail’s very first set of traffic lights, at the intersection Lily and Edith Street, was switched on just before Christmas as the inaugural project completed under the Accelerated Bruce Highway Upgrade package.

Mr Lucas thanked the Australian Government for its commitment to improving safety and traffic congestion on the Innisfail township sections of the Bruce Highway.

“The project involves more than just a new set of lights, it signals an intersection overhaul with wider road shoulders and a secure crossing for both pedestrians and cyclists.

“Main Roads has paid attention to an amber light from local businesses about the potential loss of parking spaces and has put in motion a two stage strategy.

“To reduce impact on parking, a second dedicated right turn lane from Grace Street onto the highway won’t be given the signal to go until traffic volume demands it.”

Mr Lucas said extensive consultation had driven the intersection plans.

“This is a good example of the Queensland and Australian Governments moving forward to achieve real benefits for the motorists of Far North Queensland,” he said.

Innisfail’s second set of traffic lights is expected to be directing traffic by late July, subject to favourable weather conditions during construction.

Media contact:Jim Lloyd’s office – James Larsson 0434 305 130

Paul Lucas’ office – Darren Roberts 0448 184 566