July 30, 2012
Work has begun on the last stage of the controversial $15m upgrade of the New England Highway between Hampton and Geham.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the construction would make the road safer and help grow the economy by providing better access for local farmers and businesses.
“This project will significantly improve safety for the 5400 vehicles who use this section of the highway every day. Two earlier stages have already provided great benefits for motorists such as improved visibility at night and smoother journeys,” she said.
Moves to upgrade the highway began after a series of crashes raised concerns about safety.
However the original plans called for the removal of 1400 trees, which provoked angry protests from local residents anxious to preserve their leafy corridor. Later proposals reduced this number to about 500 trees.
Ms Frecklington said the works on a 10km section between Munro Road and Pioneer Road included widening the road to the current standard width of 10m to provide two 3.5m traffic lanes with two 1.5m sealed shoulders.
“Other works include building a southbound passing lane, as well as upgrades to intersections, culverts, signage and property accesses,” she said.
“We’ll also install wire rope barriers at various locations.”
The roadworks will generally be carried out Monday to Saturday between 6:00am and 6:00pm. Motorists may experience delays of up to 10 minutes while the works are in progress and should plan for some extra travel time, she said.
“We know how important this route is for motorists and will minimise disruptions as much as possible,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Temporary traffic signals, traffic controllers, signage and barriers will be used to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow for both motorists and construction staff during the ongoing works.”
She said work should be finished by the end of next year, weather permitting.
Ms Frecklington said the community would be kept up-to-date on the progress of work with regular project updates.
