Coningsby Bruce Highway upgrades ‘more dangerous’: Whitsunday MP
An MP is alleging a major highway upgrade went ahead with ‘no intention’ of listening to residents’ concerns but TMR has hit back saying its plans are safest for all drivers.
Mackay
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A major upgrade of the Bruce Highway is being slammed as ‘more dangerous’ than before despite construction already well under way.
Amanda Camm has criticised the reconfiguration works at the Knobels Rd and Nebia-Coningsby Rd intersection just north of Mackay which aimed to improve the visibility and driving surface, widen road shoulders and introduce auxiliary turn lanes.
The Whitsunday MP alleged the state government had failed to consult with and listen to the concerns of residents, some of whom had lived in the area for 50 years, over the upgrades.
“(The Department of Transport and Main Roads) has forgotten what community consultation actually means,” Ms Camm said.
“It doesn’t mean informing residents of their plans with no intention of listening to feedback or altering design plans.”
Ms Camm added the current design was flawed and would make the stretch “more dangerous” for all drivers.
A TMR spokesman said while some individual requests about the design simply could not be considered, safe alternatives were provided in line with its Road Safety Policy and current design standards and guidelines.
“While every effort was made to accommodate feedback and address access requests in the design, the safety of all road users, including impacted residents and property owners, has been our top priority,” the TMR spokesman said.
“We welcome all community feedback and actively engage with property owners to minimise impacts, where possible, and achieve the best outcome for everyone.
“Consultation with key stakeholders including property owners, residents and commercial operators started during the detailed design phase, and has been ongoing.
“We will continue to consult with the impacted property owners and the broader community as the project progresses.”
The upgrades are part of a $13 billion, 15-year Bruce Highway Upgrade Program jointly funded by the federal and state governments to improve safety, flood resilience and capacity.
Ms Camm said she had invited TMR Minister Mark Bailey to a meeting about the issue but had not received a response.
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