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Monday, 22nd April 2024

 

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has announced significant upgrades to Steve Irwin Way, aiming to improve safety and accessibility for residents and visitors alike. Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, has welcomed the news, highlighting its potential positive impact on the local area.

 

The planned upgrades include widening the road to accommodate wide centre line treatment and shoulder widening, along with the addition of dedicated left and right turn lanes at Kings Road. Furthermore, the project will create dedicated entry and exit points, formalised parking, and turning lanes at the roadside shops near Glass House Mountains.

 

“The coffee store, antiquities shop, and grocery/nursery shack on Steve Irwin Way are of great interest to locals and tourists alike,” said Mr. Powell. “At any time of day when driving past, you will notice a long line of parked cars and often have to wait for someone turning into or out of the lane of shops there.”

 

“These upgrades are going to make a serious difference to safety and drive even more customers to the local shops,” he added.

 

In addition to these enhancements, TMR will also undertake vegetation removal, road pavement rehabilitation, street lighting improvements, creating on-road bike lanes, installing new safety barriers, and extending and replacing culverts.

 

“Many locals have expressed concerns about the condition of Steve Irwin Way between Beerburrum and Beerwah. I couldn’t agree more, so this is very welcome news to me, and I hope it is also received well throughout the community.”

 

The majority of roadworks will be undertaken from the traffic lights at Glasshouse Mountains through to Amy Drive, just south of Back Creek Road.

 

“I’ve been informed that these works are due to start mid-2024 and be completed by mid-2025. While I welcome these upgrades, I truly hope that they are completed within this timeframe and not delayed like other Hinterland projects have been,” completed Mr Powell.