Design work underway on $4m Tannum Sands Road upgrade

GLADSTONE: A $4 million upgrade to Tannum Sands Road remains on track for construction to start in mid-2009, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.

Minister Pitt – in Tannum Sands and Gladstone today and tomorrow with the Premier, all her Ministers and heads of departments for the Bligh Government’s two-day Community Cabinet meeting – inspected a section of the road which will be widened.

Mr Pitt said the Tannum Sands Road upgrade would help cater for population and traffic growth in the popular beach centre.

"The Bligh Government is committed to improving Queensland's road network, in Gladstone and across the state," Mr Pitt said.

"Upgrading Tannum Sands Road is an important project to improve travelling conditions for motorists and provide for future traffic growth.

"Tannum Sands is a popular residential and tourist location and Main Roads is playing a role in planning for the future needs of the area."

Mr Pitt said the project was currently in the design phase, with works expected to start in mid-2009.

Works include widening and rehabilitating the existing road surface along Tannum Sands Road between Applin Place and Elizabeth Street roundabout to provide a nine-metre-wide sealed road.

The upgrade to the intersections at Silverton Drive, Dahl Road, Coronation Drive and Creek Street will also include protected right-turn lanes, installation of extra lighting, improved line marking and new signage.

Guardrails will also be installed to protect motorists from roadside hazards.

The road upgrade is scheduled to be completed in December 2010, weather permitting.

Mr Pitt said the recently completed $650,000 Boyne Island Road upgrade provided a safer and smoother surface for motorists.

"Main Roads understands the important role Boyne Island Road plays in connecting residents of the Boyne Island and Tannum Sands communities with Gladstone's growing industrial areas to the north," Mr Pitt said.

"This was an important upgrade which involved resurfacing the existing road with asphalt to strengthen and waterproof the road, providing safer road conditions for motorists.

"The new road surface, between South Trees Inlet Bridge and Sayer Street intersection, will also aid in reducing road noise for nearby residents."

Mr Pitt said the $185,000 Boyne Island Road and Tannum Sands Road intersection upgrade had also increased safety and efficient traffic movements through the site.

“This upgrade to the intersection improved traffic flow and safety for motorists using the busy intersection, he said.

Mr Pitt said the upgrade works included extending the left turn lane from Hampton Drive (Tannum Sands Road) onto Malpas Street (Boyne Island Road), as well as extending the right turn lane from Hampton Drive onto Wyndham Avenue.

Works were completed in November and carried out by Gladstone Regional Council under contract to Main Roads.

Mr Pitt said Community Cabinets were part of the Bligh Government's commitment to listening to Queenslanders’ concerns on their own home turf.

“It is part of taking on board their views as the Premier and Government plan for the future.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819