Upgrades are being made to a key inland route that has been the scene of several crashes.
Work started last month on improving a section of Steve Irwin Way, between Glass House Mountains and Beerwah.
Various locations along the 3.8km stretch will be enhanced as part of a $38 million project, co-funded by the federal and state governments.
A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said the works should ensure a safer and more efficient drive for commuters.
“This stretch of road has a significant crash history, including rear-end, run-off-road and head-on crashes,” they said.
“The project will reduce the potential for crashes through safety treatments including road and shoulder widening, wide centre line treatment, new dedicated turning lanes at select locations and the streamlining of access points to certain businesses and private residences so there are fewer driveways connecting directly to Steve Irwin Way.
“The project will also extend and replace culverts, remove vegetation where required, undertake pavement rehabilitation, improve street lighting, improve bike rider safety and install safety barriers at identified locations within the project area.”
TMR stated, via the project web page, that dedicated entry and exit points, formalised parking and new turning lanes at roadside shops could be crucial.
“Vehicles have been pulling in and out of the road verge in an unpredictable manner at varied locations, creating significant safety risk for other road users on this 80kmh section of road,” they said.
There are several businesses by the road, including a bakery, vintage clothes outlet and garden centre, and there is a driveway to a hotel. There are also several connecting lanes and roads, including one to a thoroughbred training and spelling farm.
The state MP for Glass House Andrew Powell said the upgrade was needed.
“Many locals have expressed concerns about the condition of Steve Irwin Way between Beerburrum and Beerwah,” he said.
“I couldn’t agree more, so this (upgrade) is very welcome news to me, and I hope it is also received well throughout the community.”
He said improvements near roadside businesses would be of significant benefit.
“The coffee store, antiquities shop and grocery/nursery shack on Steve Irwin Way are of great interest to locals and tourists alike,” he said.
“At any time of day when driving past, you will notice a long line of parked cars and often have to wait for someone turning into or out of the lane of shops there.
“These upgrades are going to make a serious difference to safety and drive even more customers to the local shops.”
More than $15.6 million of the recent state budget was allocated towards the project, which is expected to be completed by mid-2025. The road works are expected to impact local traffic, including temporary lane closures.
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