’Scary’ Bruce Highway turn-offs on course for collisions

‘If a truck comes roaring through, you’re sandwiched’: Kuttabul area residents say something has to change

Heidi Petith and Heidi.Petith@news.com.au

2 min read

October 31, 2020 - 5:00AM

Elaroo resident Jenny Howarth says the Wales Rd turn off along the Bruce Highway at Elaroo is dangerous. Picture: Heidi Petith

Mackay

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RESIDENTS say two sections of the Bruce Highway north of Mackay are dangerous hot spots for collisions and are pleading for dedicated turn-off lanes.

Elaroo resident Jenny Howarth said there had been multiple crashes at the Wales Rd turn off along the highway at Elaroo.

"If I'm coming from town, there's no way that anyone can pass me if I want to turn into Wales Rd," Ms Howarth said.

"It's scary if you've got a big semi (truck) coming behind.

"They're not sitting on 50km/h."

Elaroo resident Jenny Howarth says the Wales Rd turn off along the Bruce Highway at Elaroo is dangerous. Picture: Heidi Petith

Likewise, Kuttabul resident Gina Zimpel was concerned about the McGills Rd turn off opposite the dump just past the Kuttabul Roadhouse along the Bruce Highway.

"Because we live opposite the dump, if you have someone pull up to go right to the dump and you're behind them, if a truck comes roaring through, you're sandwiched in the middle," Ms Zimpel said.

"And if the person in front of you doesn't have their wheels straight ahead, they could then be pushed into oncoming traffic in the opposite direction."

Kuttabul resident Gina Zimpel says she is concerned about the McGills Road turn off along the Bruce Highway. Picture: Heidi Petith

She said the issue was compounded by drivers starting to speed up to 100km/h while they were still in the 80km/hr zone.

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A Transport and Main Roads spokeswoman said a $12.6 billion, 15-year upgrade of the Bruce Highway between Mackay and Proserpine was currently under way to improve safety, flood resilience and capacity.

"The $39.13 million Leap to Careys Creek project, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, will include a dedicated right-turn lane at Bruce Highway and McGills Rd intersection," the spokeswoman said.

"Work is scheduled to start later this week."

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But there were currently no plans to upgrade the Wales Rd intersection, the spokeswoman said.

"There are advance warning signs to alert motorists to the intersection," the spokeswoman said.

"We will continue to monitor the intersection and liaise with our maintenance provider to ensure visibility is maintained.

"Infrastructure funding is allocated in accordance with competing statewide priorities."

This story was thanks to the My Town series - a Daily Mercury and Mackay Regional Council initiative.

Mackay Regional Councillor Pauline Townsend with Kuttabul QCWA Calen members Gina Zimpel and Jenny Howarth at a MyTown meeting at Zarby's Cafe. Picture: Heidi Petith

Next up, Daily Mercury reporter Zizi Averill will be at Melba House in Marian on Tuesday, November 3 alongside Mackay Councillor Belinda Hassan from 11.30am to 1.30pm.

Let us tell the stories that matter to you and if you think we should come to your town, send us an email to news@dailymercury.com.au

In the meantime, check out some of the MyTown stories so far:

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