Works will start today on a safety upgrade for the Bunya Highway and Silverleaf Road intersection at Murgon.
This project is jointly funded under the Australian Government’s accelerated Road Safety Program as part of a $3.79 million package, with $3.032 million allocated by the Australian Government and $758,000 by the Queensland Government to upgrade various intersections in the Wide Bay Burnett.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the jointly funded upgrade would install a dedicated, right-turn lane at the intersection for traffic turning into Silverleaf Road from the Bunya Highway.
“This project will improve safety by separating through and turning traffic, minimising the potential for rear-end crashes,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The Australian Government was investing in funding that would keep communities safe, while supporting local economies.
“This project is another example of the Australian Government working to reduce the number of Australians missing around the dinner table due to tragedies on our roads.
“That’s why we have committed $3 billion nationwide under the Road Safety Program, funding crucial projects such as this.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Queensland Government was committed to delivering important projects like this.
“We are delivering a record $27.5 billion roads and transport plan over the next four years,” Mr Bailey said.
“That includes over $1.4 billion to be delivered in the Wide Bay Burnett region between now and 2025.
“Improvements made at the Bunya Highway and Silverleaf Road intersection will see locals get home sooner and safer than ever before.
“The project complements other upgrades underway in the region, including the Bruce Highway upgrade.”
Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing and Regional Roads and Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said investments like these bring a pipeline of jobs to the region.
“With projects a-plenty in our region, we continue to create regional jobs at a time when they are needed most,” Mr Saunders said.
“Just last month, the Palaszczuk Government announced the $7.1 billion investment in the Queensland rail industry that will bring 800 construction and manufacturing jobs to Maryborough.
“I look forward to seeing works completed on the Bunya Highway, for the benefit of locals and tourists alike.”
Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien said while the Queensland Government is responsible for funding the maintenance and repair of the Bunya Highway, this investment from the Australian Government had helped ensure these important safety upgrades are prioritised and fast-tracked.
“With two out of every three fatal crashes occurring on regional roads, every dollar of investment goes towards delivering safer roads that will help prevent crashes and save lives,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This commitment from the Australian Government through the $3 billion Road Safety Program also means the Queensland Government has more money to invest in its road network to upgrade and improve them.”
For up-to-date information on roadworks and impacts, visit www.QLDtraffic.qld.gov.au.
