Speed cut for danger stretch

THE speed limit along a 1km stretch of the Bruce Highway will be reduced from 100km/ h to 80km/ h after serious safety concerns were raised following a nearby bridge closure.

Rollingstone and Balgal Beach residents lobbied Townsville City Council and the State Government for the speed limit reduction after the bridge over Rollingstone Creek was closed in April, forcing motorists to travel via the Bruce Highway. They claimed the detour put them at risk.

At their June general meeting, council approved repairs to the ageing structure, which will eventually reopen.

But in the meantime, a comprehensive review by the Department of Main Roads has recommended an existing 80km/ h zone be extended just north of Plantation Rd to south of the Rollingstone Hotel to incorporate the Whalley Crescent ( Rollingstone St) intersection.

“Safety is our top priority and we are always looking at ways to improve the safety of motorists on the state’s road network,” Transport and Main Roads Northern District Director Marissa Nicolls said.

“Our initial assessments did not support reducing the speed from 100km to 80km on

This will make a lot of people very

happy MAYOR JENNY HILL

additional sections of the highway.

“However, we committed to undertaking further investigations that included consideration of increased highway traffic as a result of the Rollingstone Creek bridge closure.”

Mayor Jenny Hill said the department’s decision was another good result for the northern beaches community after the council’s commitment to fix the bridge.

“When I met with residents out there they told me how they have to run the gauntlet getting on and off the highway on an almost daily basis,” Ms Hill said.

Cr Sue Blom said the speed limit reduction was a good outcome for her division, provided it was a permanent change.

“The council’s decision to repair the bridge and get it back in service has been great news for the local community, and lowering the speed limit on the highway is big win as well,” she said.

Ms Nicolls said the changes would be in place by mid- July.