Funding to upgrade a notorious intersection of the Bruce Highway at Feluga, near Tully has been fast-tracked following the community’s feedback.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the funding has been fast tracked in recognition of safety issues raised by local residents.
“The community has spoken and we have listened, bringing these works forward to create a safer road, even sooner,” Mr McCormack said.
“The $6 million project will not only benefit freight, commuter and tourist traffic, but also provide a safer route for locals who travel on this road every day.
“A key objective of the jointly funded $12.6 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program is to improve safety standards along the highway and this is another example of how we are delivering on our commitment to upgrade high risk safety locations.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said with traffic volumes in the local area increasing, it was crucial for residents living and working in the area to have safe access to the highway.
“Queensland last year recorded its lowest-ever number of road fatalities, but Far North Queensland continued to be overrepresented,” Mr Bailey said.
“While the Fatal Five continue to be the major cause of crashes on our roads, we have listened to residents and road users familiar with the Feluga Road intersection.”
Senator for Queensland Susan McDonald said project works will involve widening the narrow section of road to seven metres to improve safety as well as replacing stormwater pipes and headwalls including laying new 1.8 metres of pipe and associated drainage works.
“The Department of Transport and Main Roads will lay all options on the table for the community to provide feedback on before finalising the design phase later this year,” Senator McDonald said.
“This all forms part of the Federal Government’s record $100 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects getting Australians to where they need to be sooner and safer.”
The project is being delivered as part of the jointly funded $1.01 billion Bruce Highway Safety Package, with the Australian Government committing $4.8 million and the Queensland Government committing $1.2 million.
