The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has opened a new, safer stretch of road on a steep and winding section of Maleny-Stanley River Road, known as Pigsty Hill.
Located just east of Mears Lane at Booroobin, locals know all-too-well about the area’s significant crash history, especially involving motorbikes.
Construction on the $9 million project began in May 2024, with aims to reduce the crash risk by realigning the road and reducing the number of tight turns.
Road users are now seeing the benefits of wider lanes and shoulders, improved drainage and a safer roadside environment – as the new section no longer runs adjacent to the steep edge of Bellthorpe Range. Roadside hazards have also been removed.
With motorists now travelling on the new road, the project team can progress final tasks, including:
- Earthworks to remove the old road section,
- Rehabilitation of the old section, including planting native trees and vegetation,
- Finalisation of drainage works across both the old and new alignments, and
- Line marking on the new road.
Traffic control and signage will remain in place until the project is completed, with these final minor works expected to be complete by the end of May, weather permitting.
The project was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, each committing $4.5 million as part of the Road Safety Program.
Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, said this project has made a big difference for local residents and visitors alike.
“Realigning the road has eradicated the tight bends and moved the road further away from that dangerously steep drop-off,” Mr Powell said.
“Those wider lanes also provide more room for motorists to move and avoid potential debris, helping to reduce the crash risk.
“I’d like to thank the Booroobin community for your patience, as we progress the final stages of construction for this vital safety improvement project.”