- The Crisafulli Government will deliver safety upgrades at the Bundaberg Ring Road and Telegraph Road intersection.
- The upgrades aim to address safety issues, given the area's traffic growth and active transport usage.
- The Crisafulli Government has listened to the community and addressing the safety issues, after the former Labor Government failed to do so.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering improved road safety for Bundaberg, announcing critical upgrades to the Bundaberg Ring Road and Telegraph Road intersection.
Works include installing traffic signals, upgrading lighting and signage and coordinating the new signals with the existing rail crossing to improve safety, and will be delivered under the Targeted Safety Intervention Program, fully funded by the Crisafulli Government.
The previous Labor Government failed to act to protect motorists despite the emerging number of serious incidents, with five serious injury crashes reported on the busy road between May 2019 and May 2024.
The upgrades aim to address these safety issues, particularly given the area's increased traffic growth and active transport usage due to nearby developments.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is preparing to start construction as soon as possible, with timeframes to be confirmed following the procurement of a contractor with relevant expertise and some coordination with the cane industry to minimise impacts to the rail operations.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the upgrade would improve safety for both pedestrians and motorists.
"We've listened to the community, and we've heard loud and clear – this intersection needs attention. So, we're getting on with it," Minister Mickelberg said.
"This program seeks to address significant safety issues identified on the state-controlled road network that would not otherwise be treated under other sub-programs of the Targeted Road Safety Program.
"There has been substantial traffic growth in this area due to nearby developments, which are also generating increased active transport usage around the intersection."
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the safety upgrade was long overdue.
"This intersection is just metres from a busy cane train line, is surrounded by new housing estates, and sits near a major local high school. The safety risks have been obvious for years," Mr Bennett said.
"We've had serious accidents and far too many near misses. Coordinating new traffic lights with the cane rail crossing will help protect the hundreds of motorists who use this road daily as well as pedestrians and our rail operators.
"A huge thanks must go to all the parents, teachers, students, and motorists who spoke up and raised serious concerns.
"This safety upgrade will finally bring peace of mind to families and the school community."
Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Helen Blackburn said the intersection upgrade would be a game changer for the region.
"This intersection is a critical connection within our transport network, and we have had an outpouring of community feedback in relation to the need for a safety upgrade," Mayor Blackburn said.
"This is a high-growth area and, with hundreds of new lots approved for development, Council has been advocating to see this intersection upgrade prioritised.
"We are thankful to the Queensland Government for this investment in our region to improve safety and traffic flow which will support the community's development."
