People power secures Beerburrum Road fix

The voice of the community has been heard with the Department of Transport and Main Roads agreeing to fully upgrade a 4.5km section of Beerburrum Road.

A campaign championed by local residents, and supported by Glasshouse MP Andrew Powell, saw a 217 signature petition tabled in Parliament back in June, calling on the Minister Mark Bailey to fast track resurfacing works along a dangerous stretch of the road.

This led to recent roadside vegetation clearing works to remove potential hazards for vehicles which run off the road, as well as improving visibility.

Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell MP wasn’t impressed when the road was dropped back to 80km/hr

Today it was further announced that work will soon get underway to resurface a 4.5km stretch between Soldier Road north of Elimbah and Eaton Road south of Beerburrum at a cost of $3 million.

Assistant Regional Roads Minister Bruce Saunders said that it was important to get the surface right on this section.

“This $3 million upgrade was initially slated for 2.5 kilometres but has now been extended,” Mr Saunders said.

“Design investigations identified a larger section of Beerburrum Road could be improved.

“Beerburrum Road is a key link between the D’Aguilar Highway and Steve Irwin Way with almost 6000 vehicles travelling on it daily.

“This will improve safety and reduce ongoing maintenance costs along this section of Beerburrum Road.

“Importantly, it will improve the road for locals, making it safer and helping them get home to their families sooner.”

Member for Glass House Andrew Powell is thrilled with the announcement.

“This is such a key arterial road with many of you who use it daily raising concerns with me about its condition and safety,” said Mr Powell.

“The great news is, when the roadworks are complete, the 100km/hr speed limit will be restored, so it’s a double celebration.”

Improved safety will also be a key outcome with a wide centre line treatment being installed along the route. This will provide greater separation between vehicles travelling in opposite directions and reduce the likelihood of head-on crashes.

“You, the users of Beerburrum Road, raised this and pushed this. So congratulations and thank you to everyone that helped bring about this much need improvement,” Mr Powell said.

Works are expected to start in mid-September and continue for some 20 weeks to be completed in early 2022.

Main photo: Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell MP with Beerburrum resident Kirsty Levis