Chủ Nhật, 12 tháng 5, 2013

Budget cash to smooth road crash spots

FORTY-FIVE intersections with an appalling crash history will be upgraded at a cost of $14 million being allocated in tomorrow night's Federal budget.

In the past five years, close to 400 crashes have occurred at the blackspots and 12 people have lost their lives.

Spread throughout the state, the sites to undergo major works include the Warrego Highway at Helidon, three intersections on the Captain Cook Highway near Cairns and two sections of the Gold Coast Highway.

Others will get only cosmetic improvements with new speed signs to be installed on Gladstone-Benaraby Road in Central Queensland and improvements to give way signage on Wrigley St at Maroochydore.

Under the federal blackspot program, road users can nominate areas they believe should be considered for a safety upgrade.

The nominations are then considered by a review panel.

The 2013-14 funding is an increase on last year when 40 sites were upgraded at a cost of $12 million.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan said the government had doubled blackspot funding over the past five years to help make the roads safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

"In a state the size of Queensland we know just how important it is to have constant improvements being made to the quality and safety of our roads," said Mr Swan.

"That's why in the budget continued investments in infrastructure are a top priority because we all want the peace of mind that comes with knowing our loved ones will arrive home safely."

Queensland's peak motoring body RACQ has been campaigning for significant funding for roads and external affairs manager Paul Turner said $14 million was "a drop in the ocean".

"We're happy to have it obviously, but it's a very small amount for what is a big problem," Mr Turner said.

"We need up to $100 million for safety upgrades to the Bruce Highway alone, widening the road, removing trees, poles and other obstacles, smoothing out verges and widening median strips."

The Federal Government has previously promised $4.1 billion for Bruce Highway projects over the next five years. The Queensland Government is seeking almost double that.


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