MEMBER for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari has confirmed the Queensland Government will contribute towards the upgrade of one of the busiest intersections on the Fraser Coast.
Mr Tantari said Government will contribute $8.82-million towards the upgrade of the Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road intersection.
“This is a priority intersection on the Hervey Bay and Maryborough electorate boundary and a noted traffic blackspot,” Mr Tantari said on his official Facebook page.
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He said detailed design for the upgrade is underway. Community consultation with impacted stakeholders was completed in August last year.
Mr Tantari said detailed design and preliminary works are expected to be completed by June 2022.
“Works on the $44.1-million project are expected to begin in early 2024, subject to the completion of the detailed design.”
Meanwhile, Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt announced in May the intersection would be given a facelift.
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Mr Pitt said the Australian Government would be contributing $35.3-million towards the project.
“Peak-hour traffic congestion sees vehicles back up affecting other neighbouring intersections and there have been safety issues for pedestrians trying to navigate the intersection.
“The project will be a significant undertaking and is expected to include duplication of Pialba-Burrum Heads Road to four lanes, between Scrub Hill Road and Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road, duplication of Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road from Urraween Road to Pialba-Burrum Heads Road, and lights at the intersection.
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“This upgrade will make our local roads safer and reduce travel times for Hervey Bay residents,” Mr Pitt said.
Staying on the roads, Mr Tantari said $3-million has been allocated by the State Government towards the Urraween Road to Boundary Road extension.
“This recognises Hervey Bay’s growth and will improve traffic flow across the city, offering large vehicles alternative routes for delivery, improving logistics for our strong economic recovery, and keeping the people of Hervey Bay safe,” Mr Tantari said.
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Some $100,000 has also been sourced from the State Government’s budget to assist the Local Government in the construction of footpaths near two Hervey Bay schools.
Mr Tantari said the footpaths at Frangipanni Avenue and Eugenia Way will make it easier for families and students to access the Hervey Bay Special School and areas near Kawungan State School.
The ‘Rail Trail’ will also receive a $130,000 upgrade.
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A raised crossing will be built near Boat Harbour Drive, Ann Street and Torquay Terrace.
Mr Tantari said the project will help improve safety at a busy junction used by school students, cyclists and people travelling on mobility scooters.
