Transport and Main Roads responds to residents concerns for road safety

Spending on a deadly stretch of road near Gympie can be revealed as fears for safety peak following the untimely death of a high school student.

Residents congregated on Gate Rd and Tin Can Bay Road to express their ongoing concerns of the 10km stretch between Kin Kin Rd and Wilson’s Pocket Rd. Marian Dunchue, Robert Sawtell, Philippa Star, Tirtzah Townsend, Nigel Dunchue, Lee Garrels, Loretta Mills, and Bronwyn Evans. Photo: Christine Schindler

Tin Can Bay Rd has been the focus of a number of projects through the Department of Transport and Main Roads, but residents are asking if this is enough.

Fears for road safety peaked after the shock death of Canina teen Levi Hanna, 14, who was hit by a car while crossing the road from the school bus stop.

Residents living in the 10km stretch where the accident happened have voiced their concerns, while News Corps’ mastheads across the Wide Bay Burnett campaign for the region’s roads to be fixed now.

They expressed how they fear for their life every time they leave their driveways onto the 100km/h strip and the abuse the receive when they have to slow down to turn into them.

They pointed out the lack of clearly signed and designated bus stops, the reduced visibility of the verges, and the little to no spaces to pull over at. Even the bus hangs over the side of the road when it stops.

Canina residents congregated on Gate Rd and Tin Can Bay Road to express their ongoing concerns of the 10km stretch between Kin Kin Rd and Wilson’s Pocket Rd. Photo: Christine Schindler

The weaving road and the up and down crests mean the bus stops and driveways all come up very unexpectedly, the warning signs are sparse and the verges are overgrown.

Transport and Main Roads said that $19m has been spent on upgrades and safety improvements on Tin Can Bay Rd since late 2020.

“Every crash on our road is one too many and our thoughts are with those involved,” a department spokesperson said.

Intersection of Morley Road and Tin Can Bay Road in Canina. Residents say they fear for their lives when they enter Tin Can Bay Rd from their driveways or service roads. Photo: Nigel Dunchue

“We consider all feedback regarding safety issues on the road network and regularly investigate.

“A speed limit review of Tin Can Bay Road, between Pokela Road and Ross Road, was undertaken in 2021 following community feedback. The speed limit on a 3km section at Ross Creek was then reduced to 80 km/h, and the limit approaching Kin Kin Road reduced to 90 km/h in October 2021.”

The stretch between Canina still remains at 100km/h with a recommended limit of 80 km/h.

The department acknowledged the importance of setting reasonable speed limits or they will be “largely disregarded by motorists”.

Levi Hanna died after being struck by a car at Canina on the afternoon of Wednesday February 1, 2023.

Canina was included in the 36km stretch of Tin Can Bay Rd that had wide centre line treatment completed in late 2021.

Additional projects included the dedicated right and left turning lanes at the intersection of Kin Kin Rd and Tin Can Bay Rd along with road widening, sealing, guardrails and signs.

Other projects included in the funding were the Tin Can Bay and Maryborough – Cooloola Road intersection upgrade, Coondoo Creek bridge, and audio tactile line marking south of Dugong St.

They said there was also $300,000 allocated to investigate overtaking opportunities on Tin Can Bay Rd, expected to finish in 2023-24.

“The planning phase will assist identifying potential future upgrades and the cost so funding opportunities can be considered,” they said.

“While any future funding for this project will need to be considered against other statewide priorities, we welcome community feedback, which will be considered during planning.”

Originally published as Transport and Main Roads responds to residents concerns for road safety