BRISBANE, Queensland, Sept. 29 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

Acting Minister for Transport and Main Roads

The Honourable Tim Mander

* Construction has started on new overtaking lanes on the Peak Downs Highway between Nebo and Clermont. * The upgrades will improve safety on a busy freight route servicing the Bowen Basin and Central Queensland communities. * Newoversize-overmass pull-over areas are also planned to support heavy vehicle operators and improve safety. * TheCrisafulli Government is getting Queenslanders home sooner and safer and delivering the road upgrades our regions need.

The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of fixing a known problem section of the Peak Downs Highway, with construction now underway on long-awaited overtaking lanes between Nebo and Clermont.

The new overtaking lanes, one in each direction, will provide safer passing opportunities, improve traffic flow and help reduce risky manoeuvres along a corridor that carries significant freight traffic supporting Queensland's resources sector.

The Crisafulli Government is getting Queenslanders home sooner and safer and delivering upgrades regional Queensland depends on every day to help fix drivers' frustration and reduce safety risks on one of Queensland's busiest regional freight routes.

Throughout their decade of decline,Laborfailed to deliver upgrades on the Peak Downs Highway. Their decade of inaction left motorists, truck drivers and workers travelling through the Bowen Basin with limited opportunities to safely overtake slower vehicles on this section of highway.

The project is being delivered alongside wide centre-line treatments and culvert improvements, while planning is also underway for dedicated oversize-overmass pull-over areas to better support heavy vehicle operators.

Acting Minister for Transport and Main Roads Tim Mander said the project would deliver amore efficient highway Central Queenslanders deserve and help get Queenslanders home sooner and safer.

"The Peak Downs Highway is one of Queensland's most important regional roads and a vital connection for the workers, communities and industries that power our State's economy," Acting Minister Mander said.

"People travelling on this road every day know the frustration of getting stuck behind slower-moving vehicles with few safe opportunities to overtake.

"We said we'd deliver these upgrades, and the work is starting now as promised. These improvements will reduce risks, improve traffic flow, and help Queenslanders get home sooner and safer.

"Whether you're a worker heading home after a shift, a local family travelling between communities or a truck driver keeping freight moving, these upgrades will make a real difference."

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the upgrades would support one of Queensland's most important economic regions.

"The Peak Downs Highway is a critical link for the Bowen Basin, carrying the workers, freight and equipment that support one of Queensland's most important industries," Minister Last said.

"A safer and more efficient transport corridor means resource and agricultural companies can keep operating productively, freight can keep moving and workers can get where they need to go safely.

"These overtaking lanes will improve safety and reliability on a section of highway where motorists have long called for better overtaking opportunities, particularly given the volume of heavy vehicles using the route.

"The Crisafulli Government understands that supporting Queensland's regional industries starts with delivering the infrastructure they need to succeed, and that's exactly what we're doing through projects like this."

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the project was a major win for Central Queensland communities.

"The Peak Downs Highway is the lifeblood of the Bowen Basin and one of the most important roads in regional Queensland," Mr Kelly said.

"Locals have been calling for safer overtaking opportunities on this corridor for years because they know the risks that come from motorists becoming frustrated and attempting unsafe manoeuvres.

"For too long, regional Queensland missed out while Labor failed to deliver the road upgrades needed to keep pace with growth and to support industry. We're changing that by getting on with the job and delivering practical improvements where they're needed most.

"These upgrades will help improve safety, support freight productivity and strengthen the corridor that underpins thousands of jobs across our region.

"This is exactly the type of practical regional infrastructure investment our communities need and deserve."

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Mardi Norton, 0467 746 523

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.