The federal government has set aside $29 million to make a significant number of road and rail crossings in regional Queensland safer for vehicles and trains alike.
$14.6 million has been allocated to 50 high priority improvements to level crossings across the state’s regional road network, with the improvements to come in the form of safety installations including boom gates, flashing lights, signage, sealing and more.
A further $14.17 million has been allocated to fund four new projects under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP):
- Almost $4.5 million to the Mareeba Shire Council for widening Leadingham Creek Road and upgrading the culvert at Sandy Creek in Dimbulah.
- $5 million to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads for a new heavy vehicle rest area on the Kennedy Highway (Cairns–Mareeba) at Koah.
- Almost $3 million to the Moreton Bay Regional Council for the Caboolture River Road Safety Upgrades in Upper Caboolture & $1.7 million for the O’Mara Road Upgrade at Narangba.
Investment for the level crossing improvements falls under the federal government’s Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF), which aims to improve railway crossing safety in regional areas and reduce serious and fatal accidents.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm says the improvement of rail crossings will help the state’s regions with its growing freight task.
“Councils know their local road networks inside out, that’s why we’re backing four much needed road projects thanks to the additional $14.17 million,” Chisholm says.
“But it’s not just roads. Our state’s growing dependence on rail transport for freight is why we’re working with the state government on improving rail crossing safety across Queensland.
“The $14.6 million worth of funding will support the delivery of low-cost treatments such as boom gates, signage, flashing lights and rumble strips, which aim to better alert motorists and pedestrians approaching regional rail crossings.”
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