Upgraded traffic lights for the East and Brisbane Streets intersection at Ipswich and nearly four kilometres of new w-beam/wire rope guardrails and upgraded lane markings at Bundamba will improve traffic and pedestrian safety.
The safety upgrades, costing $5.75 million, and jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments, were a big win for highway users and local residents.
Local Senator Paul Scarr welcomed the projects, saying they would improve safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Senator Scarr said the Ipswich-Cunningham Highway Connection Road (East Street) and Brisbane Street intersection was used by an average of 23,500 vehicles each day.
“It’s a very busy intersection and in the past five years there’s been six serious accidents. The traffic lights will be upgraded to improve visibility and pedestrian safety,” Senator Scarr said.
Total cost of the lights upgrade was $1 million.
Senator Scarr said w-beam guardrail, wire-rope barrier and audio tactile line markings would be installed along 3.92km of the median strip and road reserve at Bundamba to reduce crash risks – along the dual carriageway section used by an average 34,500 vehicles/day, and which recorded eight crashes in the past five years. Total cost was $4.75 million.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Barnaby Joyce, said the road upgrades would help keep motorists safe and the economy strong.
“One life lost on Australian roads is one too many, which is why we are delivering this funding to improve roads right across the nation,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“We are investing in shovel-ready projects that can get underway quickly, saving lives sooner while supporting local construction jobs, businesses and the economy.
- “Better road infrastructure will keep motorists and freight moving safely and efficiently, reducing the number of tragedies on our roads and driving our nation’s productivity.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz, said the new projects are expected to be delivered later this year.
“Fast-tracking road safety upgrades means that commuters, truck drivers and freight operators will be enjoying smoother, safer more efficient journeys into the future,” Mr Buchholz said.
“Delivering these upgrades as soon as possible is crucial to protecting motorists while also boosting our economy on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is another example of the Australian Government working to reduce the number of Australians missing around the dinner table due to tragedies on our roads.”
The Government has already invested $1.5 billion under the Road Safety Program in more than 1,050 road safety projects across Australia, most of which are complete and benefiting communities.
- For more information on the Australian Government’s $3 billion Road Safety Program and other road safety initiatives, see: www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au/programs/infrastructure-programs.
Media contact:
Senator Scarr’s office – 3186 9350
