Construction has started on major safety improvements along Steve Irwin Way.
The works are part of a $24 million project funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 basis.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the safety upgrades between Beerwah and Landsborough would reduce crashes along the busy road.
“This project is part of the Australian Government’s record $110 billion investment in infrastructure across the nation,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“These works will help to connect communities and create jobs, while reducing the risk of head-on, rear-end and run-off-road crashes. The upgrades will also improve traffic flow, particularly during peak periods along this busy road.”
Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the project was an important part of Queensland’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
“This important project will improve safety and efficiency for locals, while creating jobs in the region at an important time,” Mr Miles said.
“We are delivering more than $xx billion in the Sunshine Coast region over the next four years, as part of our record $27.5 billion road and transport plan.”
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said the new traffic signals on Fraser Road had received funding through the federal Road Safety Program.
“The $3 billion Road Safety Program helps to keep regional communities safe, while also supporting local jobs as we look toward our region’s recovery from COVID-19,” Mr Wallace said.
“These upgrades are an example of the Australian Government working to reduce the number of Australians missing around the dinner table due to tragedies on our roads.
“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.”
“We have seen too many lives changed forever, or even tragically cut short, on Steve Irwin Way. With the Australian Government’s support this wider road, with new dedicated turning lanes and traffic signals is going to help bring down the number of accidents and make Steve Irwin Way safer for all of us.”
State Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said early works had begun last month (November 2021).
“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,” Mr Hunt said.
“This will improve safety and traffic flow as cars will be able to wait in the turning lane while through vehicles continue driving past.
“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. The contractor is mindful of the local community close to these works and will minimise impacts as much as possible.
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 [email protected]
