An extra $6 million has been allocated for the safety improvement upgrade of Steve Irwin Way between Beerwah and Landsborough, to fund new traffic lights at the Fraser Road Australia Zoo entrance, taking the total funding to $24 million.
The planning has been completed and details of the upgrade works have been released, showing lane widening, new culverts, new lighting, additional vegetation clearing and now also includes a set of traffic lights.
The project is being funding by both Federal and State governments on an 80:20 split basis.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the project reduced the risk of crashes along the high-volume road that had more than 11,000 vehicles travelling on it each day.
Road widening would accommodate the intersection modifications as well as enable marking of wide centre lines to provide further separation between opposing traffic.
Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt said the new signals and three dedicated right-turn lanes included in the design between Beerwah and Landsborough will improve safety by making it easier to turn at intersections.
“Wider shoulders will be installed, giving drivers additional areas to pull over, assisting emergency vehicles and wide vehicles, and providing greater separation between cars and bike riders,” Mr Hunt said.
“At two-metres wide and marked with bike symbols, the road shoulders improve safety for riders and all intersections will be marked with dedicated bike lanes at conflict points.”
Construction is expected to start in November, weather and construction scheduling permitting.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said the traffic signals on Steve Irwin Way were funded as part of this commitment to provide economic stimulus to support Queensland infrastructure and jobs.
