Published Friday, 11 January, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Toowoomba Range roadworks reap rewards
Toowoomba motorists are enjoying improved conditions on the Toowoomba Range road, thanks to the completion of the first part of a $4 million upgrade.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said resurfacing the down section of the Range road and installation of new, highly reflective signs and "cats' eyes" was completed before Christmas, improving safety conditions and traffic flow on the range.
"Main Roads and the contractors worked hard to ensure this part of the project was finished before the Christmas holidays," Mr Pitt said.
Mr Pitt said the centre line had been marked with the latest high-tech raised pavement markers – often referred to as "cats' eyes" – which worked extremely well in fog and low-light conditions to improve safety.
"New, larger arrow boards made from the latest high-visibility material have also been installed to provide guidance around each bend," he said.
Main Roads worked with key stakeholders including Emergency Services, local government and trucking industry representatives to identify the safety improvements needed on the range. The work will continue next month with similar improvements to start on the up section of the Range road.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine urged motorists to be aware of the weather and road conditions, be patient at road works and drive accordingly.
"The road environment is always changing. Factors such as the volume of traffic, the mix of vehicles, the time of day, wet weather and fog mean the range is different for every trip,” Mr Shine said.
“Motorists should also be aware that while the next stage of works take place, some short-term closures of one lane at a time will be needed and some short delays expected.”
Additionally, motorists can now access live web cameras that monitor traffic conditions on the Range via www.mainroads.qld.gov.au.or via the traffic reports site on 131940.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said resurfacing the down section of the Range road and installation of new, highly reflective signs and "cats' eyes" was completed before Christmas, improving safety conditions and traffic flow on the range.
"Main Roads and the contractors worked hard to ensure this part of the project was finished before the Christmas holidays," Mr Pitt said.
Mr Pitt said the centre line had been marked with the latest high-tech raised pavement markers – often referred to as "cats' eyes" – which worked extremely well in fog and low-light conditions to improve safety.
"New, larger arrow boards made from the latest high-visibility material have also been installed to provide guidance around each bend," he said.
Main Roads worked with key stakeholders including Emergency Services, local government and trucking industry representatives to identify the safety improvements needed on the range. The work will continue next month with similar improvements to start on the up section of the Range road.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine urged motorists to be aware of the weather and road conditions, be patient at road works and drive accordingly.
"The road environment is always changing. Factors such as the volume of traffic, the mix of vehicles, the time of day, wet weather and fog mean the range is different for every trip,” Mr Shine said.
“Motorists should also be aware that while the next stage of works take place, some short-term closures of one lane at a time will be needed and some short delays expected.”
Additionally, motorists can now access live web cameras that monitor traffic conditions on the Range via www.mainroads.qld.gov.au.or via the traffic reports site on 131940.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819