The review considered raising the speed limit across the range to 70km/h but in the end decided to axe the two 80km/h buffer zones instead

June 20, 2014

Speed limits along the D’Aguilar Highway between Moore and Benarkin have been reviewed by the State Government, but drivers haven’t been given the green light to drive any faster across the Blackbutt Range.

In fact, two 80km/h zones along the highway have been reduced to 60km/h.

The stretch of road formerly had speed limits of 100km/h, 80km/h and 60km/h.

The State Government’s Speed Limit Review found that parts of the highway that climbs the Blackbutt Range could be considered for an increased 70km/h speed limit but, overall, the stretch was a winding steep road with the majority of curves appropriate for 60km/h.

“On this basis it has been recommended that the existing 60km/h limit on the range remain,” the review found.

“The review recommended the short sections of 80km/h buffer zones be replaced at either end of the climb with 60km/h ahead signs.”

This will reduce five speed zones to three.

Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington welcomed the Speed Limit Review .

She said the change had been announced in the first round of state-wide speed limit review results announced by the State Government today.

“Community feedback during the review revealed there were too many changes to speed zones on the D’Aguilar Highway between Moore and Benarkin, so speed zones will be reduced from five to three on this stretch,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“I drive this section of the D’Aguilar at least two or three times per week and I know this change will make it much easier and safer. The existing speed limits will be retained but the two short 80km/h stretches will be removed. This is a really common sense change.”

Mrs Frecklington said more than 3300 Queenslanders had their say on speed limits across the State’s highways, motorways and roads.

“Engineers and police examined every road under review in line with Queensland’s speed limit guidelines, taking careful consideration of the traffic, pedestrians and surrounding infrastructure,” she said.

Existing speed limits will apply until the road signs are changed.