Mackay roads to have speed limits dropped after crashes, speeding

After a fatal crash, speeding concerns and feedback from police, several roads are expected to have speed limits reduced. See if your suburb has one.

After a fatal crash, speeding concerns and feedback from police, several roads across the Mackay region will have their speed limits slashed, if the council approves the reductions.

This includes a section of Sugarshed Rd just metres from where a horror crash claimed the life of a 59-year-old Townsville man and critically-injured an 11-year-old passenger.

The Traffic Advisory Committee — comprising Department of Transport and Main Roads representatives, Mackay Regional Council staff and councillors — on November 26 signed off on dropping the speed limit on Sugarshed Rd from 80km/h to 60km/h between Ridolfis Rd and Maraju Yakapari Rd.

See the full list below.

Sugarshed Rd residents Christine and Justin Fraser had said they regularly witnessed motorists travelling 100km/h or more in the 80km/h zone.

“At times you see people overtaking right in front of the house here (ahead) of the blind shoulder,” Mr Fraser said.

The couple had wanted for the speed limit to drop to 70km/h, adding it was only a matter of time before there was another crash.

A popular shortcut for northsiders to the Mackay Ring Road will also reduce in speed.

Holts Rd and Glendaragh Rd from the roundabout at Mackay Bucasia Rd through to the Bruce Highway will drop to 80km/h along the entire stretch.

Glenella homeowner Ken Kelly says the rising traffic from Northern Beaches' drivers cutting across to the Ring Road and the Bruce Highway is amplifying safety concerns over an already dangerous Palm Ridge Dr intersection. Picture: Heidi Petith

It follows residents having petitioned the council to install a right-hand lane at the turn-off to Palm Ridge Dr along Holts Rd.

Palm Ridge Dr homeowners Ken and Joyce Kelly said he feared a serious crash with more motorists including heavy vehicle users using the road than ever before.

Mr Kelly said reducing the speed limit was not enough and asked if the council rated their safety highly enough.

Council documents state TMR would review the issues of queuing and safety at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Glendaragh Rd once works at the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade project were completed and traffic stabilised.

The council will have final sign-off on whether the speed limit reductions are adopted.

Mackay roads slated for speed limit reductions

• Eton Homebush Rd - 80km/h speed limit signs will be installed from chainages 8.5-9.5 
• Kinchant Dam Rd - The speed will drop from 100km/h to 80km/h from chainage 3500-6050 
• Alexandria Rd - A 60km/h speed limit sign along chainage 0-450, installed without prior approval, is supported
• Wainai Rd - An 80km/h speed limit sign will be installed from chainage 0-1240 with a 60km/h sign for chainage 1240-2370 
• Hampden School Access Rd / Hampden School Carpark Rd - A 30km/h speed limit sign will be installed  
• Holts Rd and Glendaragh Rd from the roundabout at Mackay Bucasia Rd through to the Bruce Highway connection - An 80km/h speed limit will be introduced
• Sugarshed Rd from Ridolfis Rd to Maraju Yakapari Rd - The speed will drop from 80km/h to 60km/h
• Maraju Yakapari Rd from Sugarshed Rd to Glenella Rd - The speed will drop from 100km/h to 80km/h
• Bruce Highway to Mackay Habana Rd - An 80km/h speed limit will be introduced
• Grasstree Beach Rd to Sarina Beach Rd - An 80km/h speed limit will be introduced