Springfield Lakes residents and other motorists will benefit from major safety improvements recently completed along a 14-kilometre stretch of the Brisbane Valley Highway.
The upgrades, which focus on the section between the Warrego Highway and Fernvale, are designed to reduce the risk of head-on and run-off-road crashes.
The Queensland Government fully funded the $14.4 million project through its Targeted Road Safety Program. This investment addressed the recent increase in serious accidents on this busy route.
Improving Safety for All Road Users
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) oversaw the project, which included a range of safety enhancements. One of the key changes is the introduction of a “wide centre-line treatment”. This means the space between lanes of oncoming traffic has been increased, giving drivers more room for error and reducing the chance of head-on collisions.
To improve safety further, dedicated right and left-turn lanes have been added at key intersections, including Ironbark Road, Borallon Station Road, and Glamorgan Vale Road. These lanes help control traffic flow and make it easier for drivers to turn safely without disrupting other vehicles.
Reducing Roadside Hazards
The project also focused on removing potential hazards along the roadside. This involved clearing vegetation and installing guardrails to protect vehicles from leaving the road. Minor improvements were also made to the bus stop at James Street, and a new police enforcement bay was constructed south of Glamorgan Vale Road to assist the Queensland Police Service in monitoring the highway.
Project Delivered in Stages
The safety upgrades were completed in two stages. The first section, a 5.5-kilometre stretch between Bayley Road and Sandy Creek, is finished. Final sealing works on this section will be done in late 2023 when the warmer weather provides optimal conditions. The second package of work, covering the remaining distance between Sandy Creek and Fernvale, is currently underway and expected to be finished by late 2024.
Scott Whitaker, North Coast Regional Director for the Department of Transport and Main Roads, highlighted the importance of these upgrades. He explained that the wide centre-line treatment is a proven method for reducing head-on collisions, significantly improving safety for the more than 10,000 motorists who use this section of the Brisbane Valley Highway daily.
Published Date 16-December-2024
