The Newman Government is committed to continuing upgrades to the New England Highway as part of the State Government’s Rural and Regional Roads Funding Initiative.
Responding to a question in parliament from the Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts following the tragic death of a female driver on 7 June 2012, the Minister for Transport and Main Roads advises that the highway upgrade between Hampton and Geham is one of the last sections to be completed.
Upgrades to the Collingwood Road to Merritts Creek Road section of the New England Highway has commenced with the widening of the road to the current standard width of 10 metres to provide 3.5 metre-wide traffic lanes with two 1.5 metre-wide sealed shoulders. Also there will be the construction of a southbound passing lane, as well as upgrades to intersections, drainage culverts, signage and property accesses located along this section of the highway.
The Member for Toowoomba North, along with the Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington are pleased to see that the State Government is taking road safety seriously with upgrades to this section of the New England Highway.
“It is essential that not only the Government provides funding to upgrade the New England Highway but also motorists need to do their part and drive to the road and weather conditions to ensure the safety of all motorists on the highway” Mr Watts said.
Mrs Freckington said the road upgrades will make a big difference for people travelling from the Nanango Electorate to Toowoomba.
“We’ve had many enquiries and complaints about the Geham to Hampton stretch and it’s good to know that soon this stretch will be safer for everyone who travels this road,” Mrs Frecklington said.
