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Upgrades to Queensland highway for improved truck safety

Queensland’s Peak Downs Highway is set to receive $11.5 million in upgrades that aim to improve safety for heavy vehicles, including road trains.

The highway, just north of Clermont, will be strengthened and widened to make it safer for oversized and over-mass vehicles.

The Wolfang Road intersection will be upgraded, along with three sections of the highway, between Tea Tree Creek bridge and Myall Creek crossing.

“Two heavy vehicle stopping bays will be upgraded, and a new, protected right turn at the Wolfang Road intersection will improve safety for road train drivers,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey added that traffic volumes were expected to increase on the Peak Downs Highway.

“Just over three kilometres of road will be widened to nine metres, with one-metre shoulders, to increase separation between heavy vehicles, caravans and light vehicles,” Bailey said.

“Widening three sections will enable safer overtaking opportunities, so drivers don’t take unnecessary risks.

“We’re also tackling fatigue for heavy vehicle drivers by upgrading two informal stopping bays.”

Queensland Assistant Minister for Regional Roads Bruce Saunders said upgrading Queensland’s regional roads and highways was critical to improving safety for communities and industries that drive them regularly.

“The areas serviced by the Peak Downs Highway are major contributors to our state’s economy,” Saunders said.

“Work on a $35 million upgrade of a 14km section of the Peak Downs Highway between Wuthung Road and Caval Ridge is due to wrap up in a few months.”

The $6 million strengthening and widening project is funded through the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program on a 50:50 split between the Australian and Queensland governments.

The $5.5 million Wolfang Road intersection upgrade is being delivered through the Road Safety Program on an 80:20 split.

RoadTek is carrying out the work, which is expected to be completed later this year, weather permitting.

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