Published Friday, 24 October, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Millions allocated to Maleny-Kenilworth Road upgrades
Construction of a $4.6 million upgrade of Maleny-Kenilworth Road is on track for a 2009 start with Main Roads preparing to call tenders for an upgrade to the popular tourist route.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt and Member for Glasshouse Carolyn Male said the upgrade would realign, widen and reconstruct an 800-metre stretch of Maleny-Kenilworth Road between Kings Lane and Lawrence Place, including the Reesville Road intersection.
"The Queensland Government has committed to upgrades worth more than $15 million along Maleny-Kenilworth Road over the next five years," Mr Pitt said.
"This particular section of the road is used by 4500 vehicles a day so it is vital to ensure that the road stays in good condition well into the future.
"The planning being undertaken should enable Main Roads to start work mid next year, with work expected to be completed by the end of 2009, weather permitting.
"This upgrade is just one part of a suite of projects aimed at improving safety and driving conditions for motorists on this popular and picturesque tourist route.”
Ms Male said Maleny-Kenilworth Road was a popular route for visitors to the Mary Valley, as well as a vital carriageway for the agriculture, dairy and timber industries in the area.
"The spectacular rainfall of the Mary Valley assists the production of these industries and is responsible for the lush scenery that is so admired by tourists," Ms Male said.
"However, it also means roads such as Maleny-Kenilworth Road are subject to higher rates of deterioration than they would be if located in drier environments.
"Main Roads has recognised this and is planning these progressive upgrades of Maleny-Kenilworth Road to ensure the road remains safe for visitors and the local community."
Other projects planned for Maleny-Kenilworth Road include:
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Glasshouse Electorate Office 5495 2666
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt and Member for Glasshouse Carolyn Male said the upgrade would realign, widen and reconstruct an 800-metre stretch of Maleny-Kenilworth Road between Kings Lane and Lawrence Place, including the Reesville Road intersection.
"The Queensland Government has committed to upgrades worth more than $15 million along Maleny-Kenilworth Road over the next five years," Mr Pitt said.
"This particular section of the road is used by 4500 vehicles a day so it is vital to ensure that the road stays in good condition well into the future.
"The planning being undertaken should enable Main Roads to start work mid next year, with work expected to be completed by the end of 2009, weather permitting.
"This upgrade is just one part of a suite of projects aimed at improving safety and driving conditions for motorists on this popular and picturesque tourist route.”
Ms Male said Maleny-Kenilworth Road was a popular route for visitors to the Mary Valley, as well as a vital carriageway for the agriculture, dairy and timber industries in the area.
"The spectacular rainfall of the Mary Valley assists the production of these industries and is responsible for the lush scenery that is so admired by tourists," Ms Male said.
"However, it also means roads such as Maleny-Kenilworth Road are subject to higher rates of deterioration than they would be if located in drier environments.
"Main Roads has recognised this and is planning these progressive upgrades of Maleny-Kenilworth Road to ensure the road remains safe for visitors and the local community."
Other projects planned for Maleny-Kenilworth Road include:
- Fritz Gully to Jager Drive – a $5.4 million project scheduled to start in early 2009 to replace the timber bridge over Fritz Gully, improve the road surface and strength, add sealed shoulders, and upgrade intersections to improve safety.
- Cambroon Creek to Booloumba Creek Road – a $5.5 million project to rehabilitate and widen the road to improve safety and conditions for all users. Planning and design for this project is currently underway.
- Conondale to Cambroon Creek Planning Study – a $1 million planning study to investigate options for bridge replacements and road reconstruction will get underway by the end of the year.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Glasshouse Electorate Office 5495 2666