Published Monday, 30 June, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Highway upgrades to improve safety
Motorists are benefiting from a $1 million upgrade to improve the Peak Downs Highway east of Bee Creek was completed last week.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the work between Nebo and Clermont, delivered as part of the Safer Roads Sooner program, was completed two weeks ahead of schedule and under budget.
"This section of the highway caters for a large number of heavy vehicles and the wider traffic lanes and shoulders will make it safer for the traffic mix," Mr Pitt said.
"The works also included the upgrading of Bee Creek Floodway, to improve drainage and reduce the impact of flooding."
Mr Pitt said the Peak Downs Highway was a vital link between Mackay and rural townships of Nebo, Moranbah and Clermont, as well as the central coal fields.
"While these works will deliver safety improvements, it is important for people to drive carefully as driver behaviour is the biggest contributing factor to serious crashes," Mr Pitt said.
"There are 3000 vehicles that use this stretch of road each day and we want each and everyone of those 3000 drivers to be safe on our road network."
Mr Pitt said the Safer Roads Sooner program was specifically aimed at reducing road trauma on Queensland roads and its social consequences.
"Locations with a serious crash history, or that have been identified as having a potential problem, are prioritised for Safer Road Sooner Funding," Mr Pitt said.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the work between Nebo and Clermont, delivered as part of the Safer Roads Sooner program, was completed two weeks ahead of schedule and under budget.
"This section of the highway caters for a large number of heavy vehicles and the wider traffic lanes and shoulders will make it safer for the traffic mix," Mr Pitt said.
"The works also included the upgrading of Bee Creek Floodway, to improve drainage and reduce the impact of flooding."
Mr Pitt said the Peak Downs Highway was a vital link between Mackay and rural townships of Nebo, Moranbah and Clermont, as well as the central coal fields.
"While these works will deliver safety improvements, it is important for people to drive carefully as driver behaviour is the biggest contributing factor to serious crashes," Mr Pitt said.
"There are 3000 vehicles that use this stretch of road each day and we want each and everyone of those 3000 drivers to be safe on our road network."
Mr Pitt said the Safer Roads Sooner program was specifically aimed at reducing road trauma on Queensland roads and its social consequences.
"Locations with a serious crash history, or that have been identified as having a potential problem, are prioritised for Safer Road Sooner Funding," Mr Pitt said.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819