Short term safety works commence on Kuranda Range Road

Short term safety works have started on the Kuranda Range Road, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.

"Shortly after becoming the Minister for Main Roads, I asked the department to examine short term options to improve safety and enhance traffic conditions," he said.

"In response, Main Roads has carried out a comprehensive safety audit of the Kuranda Range Road, which examined the speed environment, geometry of the road, guardrails, line-marking and signage.

The audit was carried out in consultation with Queensland Transport, Emergency Services stakeholders including the Queensland Police Service, and some bus operators who regularly travel the range road.

A key recommendation of the audit is a reduction of the speed limit from 80km per hour to 60km per hour.

"Main Roads will reduce the speed limit to 60km per hour in both directions between Streets Creek, 800 metres east of Rainforest Station, and the bottom of the range road at Smithfield," Mr Pitt said.

"Lowering the speed limit will help ensure a safer traffic environment and reduce the incidence of speed-related crashes."

The new 60 km per hour speed limit will take effect and be enforceable as of Saturday, 15 December 2007. Advisory speed signs at curves will remain in place within this section of road and motorists should continue to observe these for their safety.

Mr Pitt said that motorists could expect to see a range of works rolled out on the range road in the coming months.

"It’s important these works are implemented, even though it’s the wettest part of the year. Work will continue to be carried out as the weather permits.”

Before Christmas, 120 metres of new guardrail will be installed at various locations and work will start on the removal of shoulder drop-offs on the edge of the road to make it safer for motorists to pull off the roadway in an emergency.

Starting early in the New Year, signage on the curves and at pull-off areas will be improved, and all worn and damaged road signs and guide posts will be replaced.

Line-marking at pull-off areas, and around Henry Ross Lookout including the entry and exit, is scheduled to be improved by the end of March 2008 to make it easier for motorists to safely use these areas.

Two pull-off bays for commercial bus operators at Saddle Mountain and Black Mountain Road are also scheduled to be established by the end of April 2008. These sites currently act as informal drop-off points by bus companies, including for school children.

During the 2008 dry season, audible line-marking will be placed along the length of the range road and a further 880 metres of guardrail will be installed.

"Another recommendation of the audit is to limit cyclists and heavy vehicle activity on the range road to non-peak traffic periods," Mr Pitt said.

"This is in the interests of improving road safety and traffic flow during peak times.

"Main Roads will shortly be in contact with heavy transport operators, the Cairns Bicycle User Group (CBUG) and other road users to discuss the implementation of this recommendation."

The audit identified several curves on the range road that require some physical widening.

Mr Pitt said that Main Roads had started working on a detailed design proposal for this work and expected to have it finalised by the end of March 2008.

The audit also recommended that the department investigate the possibility of building an emergency safety ramp at the bottom section of the range. The investigation will take place after the curve widening proposal has been finalised.

Mr Pitt said the curve widening and safety ramp were projects for the medium term and need to be considered in close liaison with the Wet Tropics Management Authority.

"Main Roads is separately looking at how it can apply Intelligent Transport Systems technology to the road, with the specific aims of monitoring vehicle speeds and providing a faster response to incidents," Mr Pitt said.

Technology being looked at includes the use of moisture activated flashing warning lights located next to 'slippery when wet' signage, and the installation of permanent Variable Message Signs.

Temporary Variable Message Signs are already in place at the top and bottom of the range road. These are programmed to alert motorists to road hazards and changed road conditions, particularly in wet weather.

Main Roads is also looking at the feasibility of SMS messaging for registered users and hopes to have a trial system in place by January 2008, with a permanent system in place by April 2008.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819