CONSTRUCTION works along Steve Irwin Way between Beerwah and Landsborough are set to be completed, with speed limits returned to 80 before Christmas.
It comes as welcome relief to frequent motorists who have experienced reduce speed limits, diversions and delays since late last year.
Early works on the $24 million Steve Irwin Way (Beerwah to Landsborough) Safety Improvement Project began in November 2021 and despite significant weather events delaying some aspects of construction, construction is set to wind up in the coming weeks.
“Despite significant flooding earlier this year in February and ongoing unseasonable wet weather conditions, the works are due to be completed in the coming weeks”, a Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said, thanking road users for their patience throughout construction period.
“The speed limit through the work area will return to 80km/h before Christmas, unless otherwise signed.”
The works included excavation and removal of existing roadway, vegetation clearing, widening of the road to accommodate two-metre-wide shoulders, installation of new traffic signals at Australia Zoo, dedicated right-turn lanes at Isambert Road, Graham Drive and entrance to the zoo’s maintenance shed, as well as extensive roadway rehabilitation works including resurfacing and line marking, enhancing drainage and additional light and safety barriers.
The upgrade was part of the jointly funded State and National Safety Improvement Project with the Australia Government contributing $19.2 million, and Queensland Government contributing $4.8 million toward the project.
Completion of the upgrade has progressed relatively quickly since funding for the project was announced in October 2020. The funding is part of a $415 million state and federal economic stimulus program aimed at improving road safety on Steve Irwin Way from Beerburrum to Palmview, with Beerwah to Landsborough given priority.