Published Tuesday, 26 August, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Preliminary works begin for upgrade of section of Steve Irwin Way
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt and Member for Glasshouse Carolyn Male said that motorists could expect to see some road construction activity on Steve Irwin Way early next month, as Main Roads prepared to start a $47.8 million upgrade on a section of the busy tourist route.
Ms Male said preliminary work and general site preparation for the upgrade between the Mooloolah Connection Road and the Caloundra Road interchange would start in September.
The works will include vegetation and tree clearing, along with trenching for the relocation of sewerage, electricity and communication services.
"These early works are essential as preparation for the first stage of major upgrade works to Steve Irwin Way, planned to commence early next year," Ms Male said.
"This section of road currently carries more than 19,000 vehicles a day and this project will significantly improve safety and traffic flow for freight, tourist and private traffic.”
The upgrade works will focus on enhancements to the Mooloolah Connection Road intersection, as well as four-laning between the intersection and the Caloundra Road interchange.
Mr Pitt said he would make every effort to ensure there was minimal disruption to motorists and residents when works commenced.
"I'd encourage all motorists to drive with caution through these works," he said.
"Motorists will notice some changes to traffic conditions in coming weeks and I'd urge them to pay attention to speed and roadwork signage.
"The community may already have noticed an interesting change at the northern end of Steve Irwin Way, where a second monument to the late wildlife warrior has recently been installed,” Ms Male said.
"The monument, which depicts Steve feeding a crocodile, matches the monument unveiled at the southern end in April in honour of this great Queenslander," she said.
The upgrade of Steve Irwin Way is contained in the Queensland Government's South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program and concept planning is underway for the section between the southern Bruce Highway interchange at Beerburrum and Caloundra Street, Landsborough.
Design for the section between the northern Bruce Highway interchange and Caloundra Street, Landsborough - which includes the work planned to start early next year - has already been completed.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Glasshouse Electorate Office 5495 2666
Ms Male said preliminary work and general site preparation for the upgrade between the Mooloolah Connection Road and the Caloundra Road interchange would start in September.
The works will include vegetation and tree clearing, along with trenching for the relocation of sewerage, electricity and communication services.
"These early works are essential as preparation for the first stage of major upgrade works to Steve Irwin Way, planned to commence early next year," Ms Male said.
"This section of road currently carries more than 19,000 vehicles a day and this project will significantly improve safety and traffic flow for freight, tourist and private traffic.”
The upgrade works will focus on enhancements to the Mooloolah Connection Road intersection, as well as four-laning between the intersection and the Caloundra Road interchange.
Mr Pitt said he would make every effort to ensure there was minimal disruption to motorists and residents when works commenced.
"I'd encourage all motorists to drive with caution through these works," he said.
"Motorists will notice some changes to traffic conditions in coming weeks and I'd urge them to pay attention to speed and roadwork signage.
"The community may already have noticed an interesting change at the northern end of Steve Irwin Way, where a second monument to the late wildlife warrior has recently been installed,” Ms Male said.
"The monument, which depicts Steve feeding a crocodile, matches the monument unveiled at the southern end in April in honour of this great Queenslander," she said.
The upgrade of Steve Irwin Way is contained in the Queensland Government's South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program and concept planning is underway for the section between the southern Bruce Highway interchange at Beerburrum and Caloundra Street, Landsborough.
Design for the section between the northern Bruce Highway interchange and Caloundra Street, Landsborough - which includes the work planned to start early next year - has already been completed.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Glasshouse Electorate Office 5495 2666