No traffic lights for crash site, says Bailey

TRAFFIC lights have been ruled out at the site of a horror crash that claimed the life of a man in Alligator Creek.

The death of a 62-year-old man after a crash at the intersection of the Alligator Creek Roadhouse turn-off in June after a horrific multi-vehicle crash sparked renewed calls for traffic lights to be installed.

This included a petition to the State Government which received more than 800 signatures.

But Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, in a response to the petition, said his department had advised traffic lights at the intersection would “not be an appropriate solution” to improve safety.

“This is based on several factors including the road and speed environment, along with the semi-rural location. As a result, there is no plan to upgrade the intersection with traffic signals at this time,” he said.

Mr Bailey said there was however a further review being undertaken at the Bentley Dr, Allendale Dr and Bruce Highway intersection which would consider alternatives like pavement widening and line-marking changes to improve safety.

He said the review would be completed later this year and recommended upgrades as soon as possible.

Burdekin MP Dale Last said he would continue fighting to find a solution that works.

“Just this week a resident contacted me with details of a close call in that area and the fight to make that stretch of road safer is far from over,” he said.

“The Queensland Transport Minister has given a commitment that upgrades to make the intersection at the Alligator Creek Roadhouse safer will be under way early next year and we will hold him to that commitment.

“I would like to thank the petitioner, and all of the people who signed the petition, for their commitment to improving road safety.”