Published Wednesday, 06 August, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Investigation to consider ways to improve safety of highway intersection
The Queensland Government will consider ways to improve safety on the Bruce Highway at the Sippy Creek Road intersection, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.
Mr Pitt said an investigation of general safety on the highway in the vicinity of the intersection was underway, with Main Roads officials set to meet with council counterparts and local businessman Peter Shadforth next week to discuss possible improvements at the intersection.
Mr Shadforth has publicly proposed an extension of Sippy Creek Road to link with Cunning Road to the north.
"The department is certainly willing to hear more about Mr Shadforth's proposal, although drainage and other issues may well mean it is not feasible," Mr Pitt said.
"It must also be remembered that Sippy Creek Road and Cunning Road belong to the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, which would have to approve and be involved in any works.
"That said, the number one priority for Main Roads and this government is the safety of road users and that's why an investigation of safety in this area has already begun.
"This investigation will look at any enhancements that can be made in the short-term, including to the Sippy Creek Road intersection.
"Two aspects that will be looked at are whether the current 110kmh speed limit on the highway is appropriate and whether additional signage should be installed."
Mr Pitt said long-term solution for the intersection would lie in a full upgrade of the highway between the Caloundra Road and Sunshine Motorway interchanges.
"As the Bruce Highway is a federally funded road, this upgrade will require funding from the Federal Government," Mr Pitt said.
"Main Roads has already undertaken long-term strategic planning towards such an upgrade, including planning for a western service road that would link the two interchanges and allow for the closure of the current Sippy Creek Road intersection.
"The need for an upgrade of this section of the highway was submitted to the Federal Government last year as part of the Queensland’s submission for funding.
"As yet there has been no allocation of federal funding, but I will continue to make representations on the state's behalf to the Federal Government."
Mr Pitt said electronic variable message signs would be installed at the Sippy Creek Road intersection this week advising highway traffic of entering vehicles, including school buses.
"The current intersection isn't ideal but I'm confident Main Roads will be able to introduce some important short-term improvements," Mr Pitt said.
"As is the case for all roads across the state, I'd urge motorists to drive cautiously at all times, according to road, traffic and weather conditions.
"I know people are often in a hurry to reach destinations but the simple act of giving way to other vehicles can help save lives."
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Mr Pitt said an investigation of general safety on the highway in the vicinity of the intersection was underway, with Main Roads officials set to meet with council counterparts and local businessman Peter Shadforth next week to discuss possible improvements at the intersection.
Mr Shadforth has publicly proposed an extension of Sippy Creek Road to link with Cunning Road to the north.
"The department is certainly willing to hear more about Mr Shadforth's proposal, although drainage and other issues may well mean it is not feasible," Mr Pitt said.
"It must also be remembered that Sippy Creek Road and Cunning Road belong to the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, which would have to approve and be involved in any works.
"That said, the number one priority for Main Roads and this government is the safety of road users and that's why an investigation of safety in this area has already begun.
"This investigation will look at any enhancements that can be made in the short-term, including to the Sippy Creek Road intersection.
"Two aspects that will be looked at are whether the current 110kmh speed limit on the highway is appropriate and whether additional signage should be installed."
Mr Pitt said long-term solution for the intersection would lie in a full upgrade of the highway between the Caloundra Road and Sunshine Motorway interchanges.
"As the Bruce Highway is a federally funded road, this upgrade will require funding from the Federal Government," Mr Pitt said.
"Main Roads has already undertaken long-term strategic planning towards such an upgrade, including planning for a western service road that would link the two interchanges and allow for the closure of the current Sippy Creek Road intersection.
"The need for an upgrade of this section of the highway was submitted to the Federal Government last year as part of the Queensland’s submission for funding.
"As yet there has been no allocation of federal funding, but I will continue to make representations on the state's behalf to the Federal Government."
Mr Pitt said electronic variable message signs would be installed at the Sippy Creek Road intersection this week advising highway traffic of entering vehicles, including school buses.
"The current intersection isn't ideal but I'm confident Main Roads will be able to introduce some important short-term improvements," Mr Pitt said.
"As is the case for all roads across the state, I'd urge motorists to drive cautiously at all times, according to road, traffic and weather conditions.
"I know people are often in a hurry to reach destinations but the simple act of giving way to other vehicles can help save lives."
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819