A $37.5 million program of safety works on the Kennedy Highway between Mareeba and Atherton is now complete.
The upgrade included installing wide centre line treatment, audio tactile line-marking, shoulder widening and safety barriers.
Key intersections were upgraded from savings from the project to include turning lanes, bike lanes and improved lighting and line-marking.
The project, which began in late 2020, has provided safety treatments along 21 kilometres of the Kennedy Highway, making it safer for drivers travelling between Mareeba and Atherton.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian ($30m) and Queensland ($7.5m) governments on an 80:20 basis.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator the Hon. Carol Brown:
"With the completion of wide centre line treatment and key intersection upgrades, road users will now experience improved safety and network efficiency on this key transport corridor between Mareeba and Atherton.
"The project was jointly funded under the Targeted Road Safety Program on an 80:20 basis with the Australian Government contributing $30 million and the Queensland Government contributing $7.5 million.
"The project was delivered in a staged approach and was estimated to support 121 direct jobs over the life of the project, which has helped stimulate economic growth in the region."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:
"The project has delivered significant long-term improvements to traffic flow and safety at key intersections which will help people get home sooner and safer.
"The safety treatments will reduce the risk of fatigue-related or head-on crashes, making this section of the Kennedy Highway safer for Far North Queensland drivers.
"I would like to thank the community and motorists for their ongoing patience while this important project was carried out."
