Minister for Transport and Main Roads The Honourable Mark Bailey
A $24 million upgrade is under way to widen and seal more than 30 kilometres of the Richmond-Winton Road.
The upgrade will also and replace key structures, including culverts, and improve road safety and travel times on the key regional connector, as part of an $364.68 million Australian Government to enable the fast roll-out of safety treatments on roads across Queensland.
This includes $5.39 million to seal additional sections of the Richmond-Winton Road, helping reduce deaths and serious injuries as part of the $3 billion nationwide Road Safety Program.
The investment also includes $16.3 million committed to boost delivery of immediate benefits to the regional economy while providing long-lasting infrastructure capable of supporting growth well into the future.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads The Honourable Mark Bailey
With the tragic deaths of four Queenslanders on our roads yesterday, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey has urged Queenslanders to drive safely this weekend.
“In 2019, we had the lowest number of road fatalities since records began, but last year and this year we’ve sadly seen that number rise,” Mr Bailey said.
“Tragically we’ve now lost 142 lives on Queensland roads in 2021, but these aren’t just numbers – these are all people whose lives have been cut short, and who have left families and friends behind.
“As many Queenslanders return from school holidays, we’re urging everyone to stay safe and avoid the Fatal Five – drink and drug driving, driving fatigued, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving distracted.”
The cameras were trialled across the state for five months last year. During the trial, more than 15,000 were busted on their phones behind the wheel, copping a AU$1000 (NZ$1069) fine and losing four demerit points apiece. A further 2000 were seen not wearing a seatbelt, which incurs a AU$413 fine. The cameras will be rolled out from July 26, though police are not revealing how many, or their locations. Due to their structure, the cameras can even spot a mobile phone resting on somebody s lap, with police saying if it is touching somebody s body, it will incur a penalty. However, drivers will have some time to get used to the new setup.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads The Honourable Mark Bailey
Works on the $230 million Townsville Ring Road Stage 5 (TRR5) are now underway, with the first sod being turned on the project in Townsville today.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the project demonstrated the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s ongoing commitment to regional Queensland.
“The TRR5 project will duplicate the remaining six-kilometre, two-lane section of the Townsville Ring Road and deliver significant improvements in safety and freight efficiency through the city,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Under the 15-year, $13 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, we are continuing to invest in safety, flood resilience and capacity upgrades along the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cairns.
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