Work will start this week on the first stage of a $42.5 million Isis Highway safety upgrade that will deliver wider centre lines and audio-tactile linemarking.
Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said the project would build on works already underway including intersection upgrades and new overtaking lanes.
Road crews will swing into action on 13 km of wide centre lines and audio-tactile linemarking as well as 17 km of resealing.
“We’re building the jointly-funded $20 million Bruce Highway upgrade at Childers, we’ve locked in $42.5 million to drive safety on the Isis Highway and it’s great to see work and jobs already underway because of our investment,” Mr Smith said.
He said improving safety on the Isis Highway was crucial to the region’s $4.28 billion economy and key industries including agriculture and tourism.
“Better roads get families home safer, our products to markets across Australia and the globe, and stimulate jobs – which is why this government has injected $4.8 billion in joint stimulus funding over the last year and a bit to upgrade roads right across the region and the state.
“The wide centre line treatment will improve safety by providing greater separation between drivers travelling in opposite directions,” Mr Smith said.
Data shows the wide centre line treatments significantly improve safety, with a 46 per cent reduction in head on crashes on sections where the treatment has been used.
“Audio-tactile linemarking and retro-reflective markers will alert motorists when they stray out of traffic lanes and improve lane visibility at night.”
Mr Smith encouraged motorists to be aware of any changed road conditions during the Isis Highway safety upgrade works.
“The safety of road users and our workers is paramount, so I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and follow traffic control direction on site.
“Our community has been strong in its response to the pandemic, managing the health impacts and keeping community transmission away from Bundaberg.
“Because of that, the Queensland Government is now able to invest in better roads with the Federal Government, free TAFE for under 25s, more frontline health staff and the $42.5 million levee in our city’s east as part of Queensland’s economic recovery plan.”
For more information about the Isis Highway safety upgrade project, contact 1300 728 390 or email bundaberg.office@tmr.qld.gov.au.
- Other news: New overtaking lane for Isis Highway
When are you going to go a bit further out the Highway there are four very dangerous turnoffs Hills Rd Cedars Rd and Pine Creek Rd which need upgrading a lot more than Scout Camp Rd or whatever they call it or do we have to wait for somebody to get killed. Come out and stand on the roadside at Pine Creek Rd and tell me you would like to have use it.