‘Have your say’ on highway upgrade

A number of road users have already shared their safety concerns with the Cunningham Highway. Picture: TMR website

By Jess Baker

Residents of the Southern Downs region have been invited to ‘have their say’ on Cunningham Highway safety upgrades between Warwick and Inglewood.

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads opened public consultation earlier this month on a planning project to reduce the number of fatal and serious injury crashes along the highway.

The department stated it would like to hear the experiences of road users so that it could better understand local issues and determine the appropriate safety improvements.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the planning project was one of many developing solutions to reduce crashes on major Queensland roads.

“The safety of the Cunningham Highway is integral in supporting our agricultural industries across the Southern Downs and Goondiwindi regions,” Mr Bailey said.

“This stretch connects our agricultural industry with markets and services which are typically located further east.”

Mr Bailey said the project would investigate past crashes and consider what measures could be taken to reduce the risk of similar crashes occurring in the future.

“We are seeking input from motorists and heavy vehicle drivers who are familiar with this road,” he said.

“It’s their perspectives that will help us to identify the best opportunities for road safety improvements.”

He said the Queensland government allocated $275,000 to the new planning stage.

Project feedback can be submitted to TMR at www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au from now until 30 July, at which time a concept design will be developed.

The concept design will open for public consultation on 1 October, and will close at the end of the month.

The Australian and Queensland governments have committed more than $200 million to Cunningham Highway upgrades, including $139.5 million for delivering future priorities on the Cunningham Highway.