Fatality prompts call for changes Crash scene gets review

THE scene of a horrific fatal crash south of Townsville will come under the microscope to determine whether safety upgrades are needed at the intersection.

Bowen man Gregory Cedelland died when the car he was travelling in and another car collided at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Allendale Drive on June 9.

This prompted calls from Burdekin MP Dale Last for an urgent review of the site.

A court heard last month a German driver braked to turn right from the highway into the Alligator Creek Roadhouse rather than entering the turning lane, causing a truck travelling behind to hit the vehicle, propelling it into Mr Cedelland’s car. In a letter responding to Mr Last, seen by the Bulletin, Transport Minister Mark Bailey said he was “saddened” to hear of the crash and the department was considering the details of the cause of the incident.

“TMR (the Department of Transport and Main Roads) is also investigating previous crash history and causes and listening to feedback from the community in relation to this location,” he said.

“This will help inform whether additional safety treatments could benefit at this intersection, such as improved signage, changes to line marking or additional road infrastructure.

“If it is determined that safety improvements are required at the intersection, TMR will implement them as soon as possible.”

Mr Last also floated the possibility of dual lanes on the Bruce Highway from Elliot Springs to Zinc Rd for safety because of increased highway traffic.

While Mr Bailey conceded traffic was increasing south of Townsville, he said the highway between Nome and Cluden did not meet the traffic volume for a duplication to four lanes.

He said the State Government had a strategic plan in place for progressive updates on the highway south of Townsville, in line with traffic growth and development.

Mr Last said road safety should not come down to a traffic count.

“There’s been a series of fatal traffic accidents along that section of highway just south of Townsville, and given the seriousness of these incidents I believe those dual lanes should be extended from Zinc Rd right through to the overtaking lanes of the Alligator Creek Roadhouse,” Mr Last said.