A notorious stretch of road in the Sunshine Coast hinterland is set to receive significant upgrades.
Works will this month start on realigning a 600-metre section of Maleny-Stanley River Road, just east of Mears Lane, at Booroobin, south-west of Maleny.
The winding section of road, known locally as Pigsty Hill, is on a steep incline on the edge of the Bellthorpe Range and has a significant crash history, especially involving motorbike riders.
The project aims to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes to improve safety and reduce road trauma for all road users.
The road will be realigned so that five curves, including two tight curves, are reduced to three gradual curves that are easier and safer to navigate.
The realignment will provide a safer roadside environment as the road will no longer run adjacent to the steep edge of the range and roadside hazards will be removed.
The project will widen lanes and widen and seal shoulders to provide more room for motorists through this road section, and roadside drainage will also be improved.
A large section of trees and vegetation will be removed within the road reserve to accommodate the realignment in challenging terrain.
Detailed environmental investigations, including ecological surveys, have been completed to inform the design.
During clearing activities, a qualified arborist will supervise to ensure impacts on remaining vegetation are minimised.
Fauna spotter catchers will also be on site during clearing to protect and, where required, relocate wildlife identified during the works.
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The current road will be rehabilitated and replanted with native trees and vegetation.
This $9 million safety project is funded on a 50:50 basis by the Australian and Queensland governments.
It is being delivered as part of the Australian Government’s Road Safety Program.
It should be finished by early next year, weather and construction scheduling permitting.
Department of Transport and Main Roads North Coast Region regional director Mr Scott Whitaker said the project should be well received by travellers.
“This safety project will make a major difference for all road users who travel this section of Maleny-Stanley River Road, including residents and tourists, passenger vehicles, motorbike riders and cyclists,” he said via a TMR media release.
“Realigning the road will remove the tight bends currently within this stretch of road and move the road further away from the steep drop-off, making Pigsty Hill easier and safer to navigate.
“Wider lanes and wider sealed shoulders will provide more room and enable motorists to move further off the road when required, helping to reduce crash risk.
“The improved road standard will also support an increase in the speed limit along this stretch of road from 60km/h to 80km/h following completion of the project, to align with the speed limit on the rest of Maleny-Stanley River Road.
“We would like to thank the Booroobin community and those who travel this road regularly for their patience while we prepare for construction to progress this safety improvement project.”
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