More works are set to go underway on the Bruce Highway in Queensland with design works already finalised and tenders being called for the $14.36 million safety upgrade at the Bruce Highway and Sarina Coast Road intersection in Sarina.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack, the Sarina Northern Access Upgrade project is part of the Australian Government’s $10 billion investment towards upgrading the Bruce Highway.
“The main road through Sarina can experience high traffic volumes. A new dual-lane roundabout at Sarina Beach Road and the rehabilitation of the pavement on the immediate approaches will reduce congestion and travel time, particularly during peak periods, on both the highway and side roads,” Mr McCormack said.
This upgrade project will significantly improve the reliability, safety, efficiency and flood resilience of the Bruce Highway as well as Sarina’s road network,
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said that improved safety at the Bruce Highway and Sarina Coast Road intersection is a major benefit of this upgrade project.
Works on the upgrade will include duplicating the existing Bruce Highway approaches, which exits to the upgraded intersection with a 4-lane, median separated road within the existing road reserve.
“The roundabout and new approaches will provide a safer alternative for drivers, helping to reduce potential conflicts - including read-end crashes - between vehicles turning in and out of Sarina Coast Road.
“The resulting improvement in traffic flows will also reduce travel times, contributing to a more efficient Bruce Highway,” Mr Bailey said.
The upgrade will also allow for large heavy vehicles to easily turn to and from the Bruce Highway.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said: “As residential, commercial and industrial development continues in the surrounding area, the upgraded intersection will be able to cater for predicted increasing traffic volumes.”
“As a regular user of this intersection, I am confident this project offers a positive improvement to the local road network and help deliver local jobs,” Ms Landry added.
This project will also include better access to private properties through a service road as well as U-turn facilities that will enable left-in and left-out movements.
Approximately 32 jobs are expected to be supported by this upgrade project. Works are projected to commence in early 2019 and completed by early 2020, weather permitting.
The Bruce Highway - Sarina Northern Access Upgrade is funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, with each contributing $11.49 million and $2.87 million respectively.
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Source: Queensland Government (1, 2); Daily Mercury