Work on Mossman-Daintree Road kicks off this month, as part of a $44.1 million program of upgrades across Far North Queensland.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the upgrades are being funded as part of the Australian Government’s Road Safety Program.
“The program of works demonstrates the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to rolling out lifesaving road safety treatments on regional roads,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the upgrade would improve safety on the road, between Mossman and Newell.
“The safety of drivers is the number one priority,” Mr Bailey said.
“Once completed, locals can expect better road shoulders, barriers and wide centre line treatment between Atherton Street and Newell Beach Road.
“The project will help reduce the risk of run-off and head-on crashes along Mossman-Daintree Road.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said Road Safety Program funding supports the fast roll-out of life-saving safety works on rural and regional roads.
“The Australian Government is committed to keeping our communities safe, while securing our economic recovery,” Mr Buchholz said.
“This project is a fantastic local example of our commitment to get Queenslanders home sooner and safer.”
Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said construction on Mossman-Daintree Road will be carried out during both day and night works, with temporary lane closures in place throughout.
“Work is expected to be completed by late November, weather and conditions permitting,” Mr Entsch said.
“Crews will be on site between 6am and 6pm for day works and between 6pm and 6am for night works, and we thank motorists for driving safely and patiently while work is underway.
“I’m pleased to see Far North Queensland benefitting from investment of $174.7 million in joint funding through tranche 2 of the Road Safety Program to enable upgrades to be completed in the 2021-22 financial year.
“The Road Safety Program is all about improving safety on the state-controlled road network with locations selected based on a history of crashes and key safety concerns.”
State Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the works complemented other road safety projects currently underway in the region.
“The Queensland Government is delivering $17.5 billion in regional road improvements, supporting 15,870 jobs,” Ms Lui said.
“We’ve already seen construction kick off on Peninsula Developmental Road, through the $237.5 million Cape York Regional Package Stage 2 project.
“Earlier this year we also saw pedestrian safety upgrades completed on Port Douglas Road, improving the safety and accessibility of pedestrian crossings.
“And we are continuing to deliver upgrades along the Kennedy Highway to benefit locals, tourists and industry alike.”
Ms Lui said multiple projects were currently underway in the Kennedy Highway, demonstrating the Queensland Government’s commitment to boosting the regional economy.
“The road is so important for the region, carrying large amounts of farm machinery, livestock and produce,” she said.
“Stage 2 of the Kennedy Highway safety upgrade is underway, continuing the progress made on the jointly funded $37.5 million project between Mareeba and Atherton.
“By widening priority sections of the road between Mareeba and Tolga to an 11-metre seal width, we will create a safer environment for drivers and reduce fatalities and serious injury crashes on this road.
“Separately, construction is nearing completion on $45 million package of road safety works on the Kennedy Highway between Kuranda and Mareeba which has seen a number of safety treatments installed at priority locations.
“These projects in regional Queensland are backing our commitment to create jobs and deliver for the community where it’s needed most.”
Other projects funded under the Road Safety Program include:
Rest area upgrades (Statewide)
$14 million for fatigue-management upgrades to roadside rest areas throughout Queensland.
Dawson Highway – Banana to Rolleston (Central Queensland)
$4 million for widening works to reduce the risk of head-on crashes.
Dawson Highway – Rolleston to Springsure (Central Queensland)
$4 million for widening works to reduce the risk of head-on crashes and address surface issues.
Capricorn Highway and Blackwater-Rolleston Road (Central Queensland)
$3.5 million to upgrade the intersection to address crash history.
Gulf Developmental Road (Far north Queensland)
$2.5 million for widening and sealing upgrade along the Gulf Developmental Road to create two lanes.
Brisbane Road – Ipswich (Metropolitan region)
$2.5 million for upgrades to the intersection of Brisbane and Braeside roads.
Palmerston Highway – Innisfail to Ravenshoe (Northern Queensland)
$2 million to widen shoulders to create safer roadsides and the installation of guardrail at high-risk locations.
Carnarvon Hwy and Noondoo‐Thallon Road (Southern Queensland)
$1.5 million for improvements to the intersection of Carnarvon Hwy and Noondoo‐Thallon Road to ensure safe traffic movements on heavy vehicle route.
