RACQ calls for urgent action on congestion spots Road to driver outrage

RED SPOTS

Cars lined up for 5km on the flooded Bruce Highway, 60km south of Townsville.

THE state’s peak motoring body is calling on both sides of politics to commit to fixing Townsville’s worst congestion spots ahead of the October election.

An RACQ survey has identified the roads around Townsville that need urgent attention, with motorists fed up with the congestion at many spots around the city.

Sturt Street, Woolcock Street, Dalrymple Road and Ross River Road are all in the crosshairs of frustrated motorists heading into the state election. They are also calling for major highway investment and flood immunity upgrades across North Queensland.

They have highlighted the Gregory Developmental Road, Hann Highway and Flinders Highway as stretches that need urgent attention.

Yesterday morning, a lane of the Flinders Highway near Hughenden was closed after a truck rolled and spilt steel across the road.

“Now more than ever we need a pipeline of projects in the works to stimulate our economy, improve road safety and ultimately improve the lives of Queenslanders,” RACQ head of public policy Rebecca Michael said.

“Continuing work on the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program is essential, but the Gregory Developmental Road and the Flinders Highway also desperately need safety works, including bridge and flood immunity improvements. It’s important locals have a reliable alternative for when the Bruce Highway floods during the wet season.”

Dr Michael said that local candidates should also commit to completing duallane sealing of the Hann Highway.

“This route is important to freight and tourism, so the road needs to be up to the task. The completion of a dual lane seal will mean a safer road for the thousands of trucks and other vehicles who travel on it each year,” she said.

“We’ve lost too many lives on the state’s roads this year already. Small investments into works like wide centre lines, central and roadside safety barriers and intersection upgrades go a long way to helping make our roads safer for all Queenslanders.”