CONSTRUCTION has started on the $24 million major safety improvements along Steve Irwin Way between Beerwah and Landsborough which will include a wider road, with new dedicated turning lanes and traffic signals on Fraser Road, to reduce crashes along the busy road.
Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said we have seen too many lives changed forever, or even tragically cut short, on Steve Irwin Way.
“I have ridden this section of Steve Irwin Way on my bike as part of my annual Tour de Fisher listening to local residents, and like all too many others I know very well what a dangerous stretch of road this is,” Mr Fisher said.
State Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said not only will we be widening the road between Beerwah and Landsborough, but we will be installing dedicated, right-turn lanes at Isambert Road, Graham Drive and the warehouse north of Irwin Road.
“This will improve safety and traffic flow as cars will be able to wait in the turning lane while through vehicles continue driving past,” Mr Hunt said.
“The new traffic signals at the Fraser Road intersection will also allow for safer turns, especially during peak hours when it can be difficult to judge safe gaps in traffic.
“We will install wide centre lines, which provide greater separation between vehicles travelling in opposite directions to reduce the likelihood of head-on crashes.
“The new two-metre-wide shoulders will give drivers more space to pull over and provide more safe space for the many bike riders who frequent the route.
“The project will also include minor road widening between Mellum Creek bridge and Railway Street Landsborough.”
A combination of day and night works will be required, but day works will be used when possible to reduce noise impacts on nearby properties. The high traffic volumes on Steve Irwin Way mean some night works will be required, particularly when it is necessary to close lanes.
Day works will be undertaken from Monday to Friday between 6am and 5pm and night works from Sunday to Thursday between 7pm and 6am.
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2022, weather and construction conditions permitting.
The project team can be contacted on 1800 316 378 or steve.irwin.way@tmr.qld.gov.au. For information on the project, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/glasshouse-mountains-road-steve-irwin-way-beerwah-to-landsborough-improve-safety.
The works are part of a $24 million project funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 basis.
Main image: Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace, with Minister for Main Roads and Transport Mark Bailey and Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt
