Published Wednesday, 11 February, 2009 at 11:43 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Traffic lights and road improvements in Emerald in 2009
Emerald will receive its first set of traffic lights this year, one of a number of road safety improvement projects in the Central Highlands hub in 2009, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.
Mr Pitt said the traffic lights would be installed at the Ruby and Egerton streets intersection.
“Emerald has grown significantly in the past five years and installing the traffic lights will help improve safety of road users, maintain local access to businesses and provide safe pedestrian crossings,” Mr Pitt said.
“The $1.1 million project, an example of the Bligh Government’s commitment to road safety, is funded by the State Government’s Safer Roads Sooner program.”
Mr Pitt said other works underway in Emerald include an $8.7 million rehabilitation of the Peak Downs Highway near Myall Creek, start of construction of a $6.7 million upgrade of the Dawson Highway at Meteor Creek, and the various safety enhancements to the Capricorn Highway including new linemarking and signage.
Together, the projects have generated employment for 167 people.
Mr Pitt said the projects would help enhance the safety of motorists travelling throughout the Emerald District.
“Main Roads’ 2009 projects in Emerald are really about reconstructing and improving the existing road surfaces,” Mr Pitt said.
“We urge motorists to slow down and drive to the changed conditions in and around te works.
“Speed restrictions will be in place around many of the worksites and it is vital that all road users are conscious of the changed conditions to ensure the safety of themselves and our roadworkers.
“We will work closely with Queensland Police to enforce speed restrictions around roadworks and minimise delays for motorists.”
Main Roads will start construction of the new traffic lights towards the end of 2009 and they are expected to be fully functional by mid 2010.
For more information, visit www.mainroads.qld.gov.au or contact the local Main Roads office on 4983 8700.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819