Consider more lanes for range

DRIVERS will welcome moves by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to consider more overtaking lanes on the Kennedy Highway between Kuranda and Mareeba in the wake of last week’s horror headon truck crash which killed two drivers.

But the gesture is somewhat ironic after the same department has recently removed yet another vital overtaking lane on the notorious Kuranda Range without providing an adequate explanation.

There are few overtaking opportunities on the range and being stuck behind a slower moving vehicle creates a lot of frustration for following drivers who may take risks.

The lay-by lanes up and down the range road are too short and totally unsuitable for heavy vehicles.

It is very difficult for the drivers of trucks and coaches to do a hill start after pulling over into one of the laybys.

But a good overtaking lane means they can stay in the left lane with good forward motion while other motorists can safely get past.

There is no doubt it is easier and less expensive to build new overtaking lanes on the highway stretches from Kuranda to Mareeba.

Surely there is some merit in the department reassessing the removal of overtaking lanes on the Kuranda Range.

The width of the road still remains. It is the markings that have changed.

But, as well as reinstating the lanes, isn’t there a case to consider more such lanes while the future of the range road continues to be debated?

The Kuranda Range is still the best direct route from the coast to the Tablelands while the private Quaid Rd is ignored. Nick Dalton Deputy editor