Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, said the Australian and Queensland government are committed to improving safety on the Bruce Highway for the some 46,000 vehicles which travel on these sections of road every day.
“We are planning a new interchange in the vicinity of the Roys Road and Bells Creek intersections on the Bruce Highway as a long-term solution to provide safer highway access,” Mr Albanese said.
“The planning and design works are well underway on the new interchange through the $195 million, Upgrade Caboolture to Caloundra Nation Building project,” he said.
The decision to close the cross-overs follow calls from the Queensland Police Service to address the high crash rates and recommendations from the Australian Road Research Board.
Main Roads Minister, Craig Wallace, said the median cross-overs would be closed in mid August 2011 to prevent motorists from crossing or turning right onto the Bruce Highway.
“The closures will start next week and is an important first step towards reducing the high crash rates at these locations,” Mr Wallace said.
“Closing the median cross-overs will provide an immediate interim solution to addressing the road toll and reducing the serious injuries in road crashes at these spots.
“Motorists who use these crossing points should now use alternative routes via Johnston Road, Steve Irwin Way or the Caloundra Road Interchange,” he concluded.
Information about the alternative routes is available from http://www.131940.qld.gov.au or by phoning 13 19 40.