Peak Downs Highway gets a boost with $6.75m upgrade

A stretch of one of regional Queensland’s most strategic regional roads will be widened in a $6.75 million upgrade, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.

Work on the 4.8km stretch, located on the Peak Downs Highway between Cut Creek and Retreat, 22km north of Nebo, is expected to start soon.

Mr Pitt said the project would enhance the road’s capacity and provide a safer stretch of highway for motorists.

"These upgrades will result in a safer and more efficient stretch of highway for the increasing number of heavy vehicles and wide loads that use this road every day," Mr Pitt said.

"The Peak Downs Highway is a strategically important corridor that connects regional Queensland communities, so it's crucial that we continue to maintain and improve this road."

The works also include upgrading three roadside rest areas, aimed at addressing motorist fatigue.

"This government is serious about addressing the issue of driver fatigue. By upgrading three heavy vehicle rest areas on the Peak Downs Highway, drivers will be able to stop, revive and survive; and we will be encouraging them to do so."

Mr Pitt said the project was further evidence of the Bligh Government delivering on its pre-election commitment to upgrade various sections of the Peak Downs Highway.

Other current Main Roads works on the Peak Downs Highway include an $8.75 million rehabilitation and widening project at Myall Creek and the extension of a climbing lane to join the west-bound overtaking lane at the top of the Eton Range.

Main Roads' construction arm, RoadTek, will undertake the upgrade works, which are due for completion in August 2009, weather permitting.

In the interests of safety, Main Roads urges motorists to observe changed traffic conditions and obey the instructions of road-workers and signage throughout the project.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819.