Lower speed limit on Captain Cook Highway will help improve safety
Published Friday, 28 March, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Main Roads will lower the speed limit on a section of the Captain Cook Highway north of Cairns from next Saturday (5 April) to improve road safety.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the new speed limit of 80km/h would apply in both directions of the highway between Aeroglen and just north of the Holloways Beach roundabout, including the Machan's Beach roundabout.
Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said the speed limit on this section of road would be lowered from 100km/h to the new limit, based on the findings of a detailed speed limit review conducted by Main Roads.
“Although crash rates on this section of road have decreased in the past five years the figures are still comparably higher than on other similar roads,” Mr Wettenhall said.
"Community concerns about safety have been taken into account by Main Roads in making the decision to reduce the speed limit on this section of road.
"With about 30,000 vehicles a day traveling this section of road, including an increasing number of cyclists, improving safety is our main priority.”
Mr Pitt said Queensland Transport, Cairns Regional Council and the Queensland Police Service had endorsed Main Roads' decision.
“To help motorists adjust to the new speed limit, Main Roads will erect temporary electronic signs to warn of changed traffic conditions,” he said.
Media contacts: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Mr Wettenhall’s Office 4038 2800
Note to editors/chiefs of staff: Mr Wettenhall is available for photo opportunities today and next week. Contact his office on 4038 2800 to make arrangements.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the new speed limit of 80km/h would apply in both directions of the highway between Aeroglen and just north of the Holloways Beach roundabout, including the Machan's Beach roundabout.
Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said the speed limit on this section of road would be lowered from 100km/h to the new limit, based on the findings of a detailed speed limit review conducted by Main Roads.
“Although crash rates on this section of road have decreased in the past five years the figures are still comparably higher than on other similar roads,” Mr Wettenhall said.
"Community concerns about safety have been taken into account by Main Roads in making the decision to reduce the speed limit on this section of road.
"With about 30,000 vehicles a day traveling this section of road, including an increasing number of cyclists, improving safety is our main priority.”
Mr Pitt said Queensland Transport, Cairns Regional Council and the Queensland Police Service had endorsed Main Roads' decision.
“To help motorists adjust to the new speed limit, Main Roads will erect temporary electronic signs to warn of changed traffic conditions,” he said.
Media contacts: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Mr Wettenhall’s Office 4038 2800
Note to editors/chiefs of staff: Mr Wettenhall is available for photo opportunities today and next week. Contact his office on 4038 2800 to make arrangements.