$5m roundabout is key to improving safety

A roundabout will be built at the intersection of the New England Hwy and Stanthorpe Connection Rd

SAFER ROADS: LNP state candidate James Lister and Member for the Southern Downs Lawrence Springborg look forward to improved safety at the southern intersection of the New England Hwy and Stanthorpe Connection Rd. Picture: Samantha Wantling

IT HAS been the scene of far too many tragic road incidents over the years, and has left families broken and communities reeling.

Arguably one of the most notorious and dangerous intersections on the Southern Downs, last week's announcement by Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey of a $5.4million commitment to build a roundabout at the southern intersection of the New England Highway, was music to the ears of locals.

Improving safety on the New England Highway has been a key focus for Southern Downs MP Lawrence Springborg.

Having campaigned heavily for upgrades and improvements, Mr Springborg is thrilled with the announcement.

"Over $5million has been committed to this project and I am absolutely delighted,” Mr Springborg said.

"It is a really dangerous intersection and I have spoken with families who have lost loved ones there and it does need work done to it.

"It is a significant amount of money and I am very grateful for the announcement by Minister Bailey.”

According to Mr Springborg, there are some great examples which show how effective roundabouts can be when it comes to improving safety.

"I have Goondiwindi in my electorate and that is a highly effective roundabout and if it is going to be designed along those lines, this community should be very confident it will offer a much safer outcome than the current, dangerous situation.”

Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud echoed Mr Springborg's sentiments, noting the site's dangerous past.

"This intersection has a tragic crash history and that's why I welcome any investment to improve road safety in our region,” Mr Littleproud said.

While both Mr Springborg and Mr Littleproud were pleased to see such a commitment from the government in fixing this issue, both felt strongly about the need for community engagement and consultation through the planning and design process.

One member of the local community who has witnessed first-hand the devastation caused by this dangerous intersection is Stanthorpe Road Policing Unit officer in charge Sergeant Daniel O'Dea.

Throughout his 11-year tenure, Sgt O'Dea has considered the New England Highway a major concern and was pleased Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey recognised the importance of improving the intersection.

"Any improvements to the highway are greatly appreciated as what we have at the moment is not working,” Sgt O'Dea said.

Transport and Main Roads will consult with key stakeholders and the community about the proposed roundabout in the coming months.

Design will start soon and construction is expected to begin early next year.

Originally published as $5m roundabout is key to improving safety