fbpx

Latest News

Work starts on Peak Downs Highway road safety improvements

The Hon Michael McCormack MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
Leader of The Nationals
Federal Member for Riverina

The Hon Michelle Landry MP
Assistant Minister for Children and Families
Assistant Minister for Northern Australia
Federal Member for Capricornia

The Hon Mark Bailey MP
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads
State Member for Miller

The Hon Bruce Saunders MP
Assistant Minister for Regional Roads
State Member for Maryborough

Work is underway on $11.5 million worth of safety upgrades to the Peak Downs Highway, north of Clermont.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Wolfang Road intersection would be upgraded, along with three sections of the highway, between Tea Tree Creek bridge and Myall Creek crossing.

“The highway is being strengthened and widened, making it safer for oversized and over-mass vehicles, as well as regular road users,” Mr McCormack said.
“Two heavy vehicle stopping bays will be upgraded, and a new, protected right turn at the Wolfang Road intersection will improve safety for road train drivers.

“The project is a partnership between the Australian and Queensland governments through the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, which improves safety and productivity for heavy vehicle operators.

“This is yet another example of the Australian Government continuing to roll out our $110 billion nationwide infrastructure plan, supporting jobs and communities at a time when it’s needed the most.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said traffic volumes were expected to increase on the Peak Downs Highway.

“Just over three kilometres of road will be widened to nine metres, with one-metre shoulders, to increase separation between heavy vehicles, caravans and light vehicles,” Mr Bailey said.

“Widening three sections will enable safer overtaking opportunities, so drivers don’t take unnecessary risks.

“We’re also tackling fatigue for heavy vehicle drivers by upgrading two informal stopping bays.”

Assistant Minister for Northern Australia and Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the wider road will also enable safer overtaking opportunities.

“Discouraging drivers from taking unnecessary risks by providing adequate overtaking facilities is a key part of saving lives on the Peak Downs Highway,” Assistant Minister Landry said.

“This is another example of the Australian Government working toward Vision Zero on our roads by investing in safety improvements – zero deaths and zero serious injuries is our ultimate goal.”

Queensland Assistant Minister for Regional Roads Bruce Saunders said upgrading Queensland’s regional roads and highways was critical to improving safety for communities and industries that drive them regularly.

“The areas serviced by the Peak Downs Highway are major contributors to our state’s economy,” Mr Saunders said.

“Work on a $35 million upgrade of a 14km section of the Peak Downs Highway between Wuthung Road and Caval Ridge is due to wrap up in a few months.

“The project has supported over 100 jobs over the past year, so it’s good to see more work getting started on other sections of the highway now and supporting even more jobs.”

The $6 million strengthening and widening project is funded through the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program on a 50:50 split between the Australian and Queensland governments.

The $5.5 million Wolfang Road intersection upgrade is being delivered through the Road Safety Program on an 80:20 split.

RoadTek is carrying out the work, which is expected to be completed later this year (2021), weather permitting.

For up-to-date information on roadworks and other traffic information, call 13 19 40, visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or download the app.

Subscribe To My Newsletter

If you want to be kept up to date with what’s happening in the electorate or what I’m doing in Canberra, please subscribe to my newsletter.