- The Brisbane Valley Highway Safety Program is full steam ahead with key milestones being hit on safety improvements across the region.
- Construction is set to begin on two key intersection improvements while design is now complete for intersections in Wivenhoe Pocket and Toogoolawah.
- The intersection improvements are funded by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Somerset Regional Council.
Key intersection improvements are now underway to deliver safer and more efficient roads for Queenslanders as part of the Brisbane Valley Highway Upgrade Program.
The contract has been awarded for two key intersection improvements at Forest Hill-Fernvale Road and Quarry Access Road (Batten Road) with construction set to begin in August.
Improvements include installing dedicated right-turn lanes at both intersections, a new left-turn lane into Forest Hill-Fernvale Road, pavement widening to accommodate the new turning treatments and line-marking improvements at the Fernvale State School pedestrian crossing.
A new footpath will also be installed linking Fernvale State School and the Lady Gowrie Fernvale Community Kindergarten.
These improvements will allow drivers to turn safely off the Brisbane Valley Highway, while allowing through-traffic to continue moving efficiently, reducing the risk of crashes and improving traffic flow along this busy transport corridor.
Works will take approximately four months to complete, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Meanwhile, the design for Dingyarra Street and Mount Beppo Road intersections in Toogoolawah is well underway, with the design for the Wivenhoe Pocket Road North intersection now complete.
Works are also progressing at Ottaba near Toogoolawah as part of the Queensland Government’s investment in strengthening pavement along priority sections of the Brisbane Valley Highway between Ipswich and Harlin.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the Australian Government was proud to partner in delivering intersection safety improvements for Queenslanders along the Brisbane Valley Highway.
“These intersection upgrades are a testament to our ongoing commitment to building safer roads across Queensland. Every journey matters and we are dedicated to ensuring that all road users can travel safely and return home to their loved ones,” Minister King said.
“By improving and better managing turning movements, these upgrades will improve safety and ensure smoother, more efficient traffic flow at key intersections in Fernvale, Toogoolawah and Wivenhoe.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the project was another important milestone in the delivery of long-term safety improvements along the Brisbane Valley Highway.
“These upgrades will make it safer and easier for motorists to travel through Fernvale, while improving traffic flow and reducing the risk of crashes at key intersections along the highway,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“As communities across the region continue to grow, the Crisafulli Government is investing in practical improvements that get Queenslanders home safer and sooner.”
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the Australian Government was committed to improving road safety to ensure all Australians can arrive at their destination safely.
“With increasing traffic volumes and the rise in intersection crashes, this project is welcome news for the community,” Mr Neumann said.
“Once complete, these works will enhance connectivity and safety along the Brisbane Valley Highway – a critical freight and commuter corridor linking Somerset with greater southeast Queensland.”
Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald said the upgrades would deliver real benefits for local residents and road users
“The Brisbane Valley Highway is the lifeblood of communities across Somerset and Lockyer, which is why it’s great to see construction now underway on these important safety upgrades at Fernvale,” Mr McDonald said.
“The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering safer, more reliable roads for regional Queensland, and this project is another important step in the long-term upgrade of the Brisbane Valley Highway corridor.”
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt said they were proud to work with the State and Federal Governments to deliver safety improvements for the region.
“Somerset Regional Council is glad to partner with the Australian and Queensland governments through the SEQ City Deal to deliver this priority safety improvement for the Brisbane Valley Highway in Fernvale,” Mayor Wendt said.
“This is an important investment in safety and accessibility for the Somerset region and is part of a broader scheme of safety upgrades planned for the highway by Transport and Main Roads.
“Council looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with TMR to develop a longer-term Brisbane Valley Highway Safety and Productivity Strategy, providing a clear roadmap for the future investment and upgrades needed to improve safety, increase productivity and meet the needs of our growing region”.
