Published Thursday, 18 September, 2008 at 04:54 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Safety improvements for Bruce Highway at Sippy Creek Road
Work has started today on safety improvements including a speed reduction on the Bruce Highway in the vicinity of the Sippy Creek Road intersection, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said.
Mr Pitt said an investigation of the general safety of the highway at the location of Sippy Creek Road had identified short-term measures that would enhance safety for motorists using the intersection.
"While the Queensland Government continues to work towards securing federal funding to upgrade this stretch of road, these improvements will help increase safety in the interim," Mr Pitt said.
"Public safety is Main Roads' number one priority and the investigation has recommended a reduction from 110km/h to 100km/h between the Caloundra Road and Sunshine Motorway interchanges. The new speed limit will be in place by this coming weekend.
“Work on the important safety initiative is expected to be finished by early October 2008.
"Prominent, high-visibility warning signs will be installed to alert motorists to vehicles entering the highway from Sippy Creek Road and vegetation will be cleared to enhance visibility along this stretch.
"This permanent signage will replace three variable message signs, which have been used over the last few weeks."
Mr Pitt said Main Roads would continue to work with key stakeholders, including the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, to address concerns raised by the local community.
He said the Queensland Government was committed to seeking federal funding to upgrade the highway between the Caloundra Road and Sunshine Motorway interchanges.
"The long term solution for the Sippy Creek Road intersection is a full upgrade of the highway between the interchanges," Mr Pitt said.
"Main Roads has already undertaken strategic planning towards an eventual upgrade, which would include the construction of a western service road linking the Caloundra Road and Sunshine Motorway interchanges and closure of the Sippy Creek Road intersection.
"I will continue to bring this and other projects to the attention of the Federal Government so that we can secure the funding needed to undertake them."
Mr Pitt urged motorists to obey the new speed limit and drive to conditions at all times.
"I'm confident these short-term improvements will enhance safety, but, as is the case on all roads, drivers need to responsible in their actions," Mr Pitt said.
"This includes observing the speed limits and being on the lookout for vehicles entering the highway or turning across traffic.
"We're getting towards the time of the year when south-east Queensland traditionally receives most of its rainfall, so driving to conditions is another important requirement."
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Mr Pitt said an investigation of the general safety of the highway at the location of Sippy Creek Road had identified short-term measures that would enhance safety for motorists using the intersection.
"While the Queensland Government continues to work towards securing federal funding to upgrade this stretch of road, these improvements will help increase safety in the interim," Mr Pitt said.
"Public safety is Main Roads' number one priority and the investigation has recommended a reduction from 110km/h to 100km/h between the Caloundra Road and Sunshine Motorway interchanges. The new speed limit will be in place by this coming weekend.
“Work on the important safety initiative is expected to be finished by early October 2008.
"Prominent, high-visibility warning signs will be installed to alert motorists to vehicles entering the highway from Sippy Creek Road and vegetation will be cleared to enhance visibility along this stretch.
"This permanent signage will replace three variable message signs, which have been used over the last few weeks."
Mr Pitt said Main Roads would continue to work with key stakeholders, including the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, to address concerns raised by the local community.
He said the Queensland Government was committed to seeking federal funding to upgrade the highway between the Caloundra Road and Sunshine Motorway interchanges.
"The long term solution for the Sippy Creek Road intersection is a full upgrade of the highway between the interchanges," Mr Pitt said.
"Main Roads has already undertaken strategic planning towards an eventual upgrade, which would include the construction of a western service road linking the Caloundra Road and Sunshine Motorway interchanges and closure of the Sippy Creek Road intersection.
"I will continue to bring this and other projects to the attention of the Federal Government so that we can secure the funding needed to undertake them."
Mr Pitt urged motorists to obey the new speed limit and drive to conditions at all times.
"I'm confident these short-term improvements will enhance safety, but, as is the case on all roads, drivers need to responsible in their actions," Mr Pitt said.
"This includes observing the speed limits and being on the lookout for vehicles entering the highway or turning across traffic.
"We're getting towards the time of the year when south-east Queensland traditionally receives most of its rainfall, so driving to conditions is another important requirement."
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819