Black Spot funding paves the way for road safety upgrades
Four busy roads and intersections throughout Livingstone Shire are poised to undergo safety enhancements aimed at improving the safety of drivers and pedestrians, as a result of Council securing funding from the Australian Government's Black Spot Program.
At the recent Ordinary Meeting, Councillors acknowledged the allocation of $822,000 in funding to approved projects at Tanby Road, Farnborough Road and two locations along Scenic Highway.
Motorists and pedestrians can expect several enhancements across the four projects, including new audio line markings, additional warning signage, increased guideposts and guard rails, the placement of alignment markers, a pedestrian crossing and street lighting.
The Australian Government's broader investment through the Black Spot Program is set to enhance 38 dangerous crash sites across Queensland's roads in the 2023-24 period, with a total investment of $21.7 million.
Livingstone Shire Mayor, Andy Ireland, expressed gratitude to the Australian Government for their contribution.
"This funding allocation is a victory for our community, expediting road safety projects that might otherwise have been delayed,” Mayor Ireland said.
“The upgrades will have a profound impact on the safety of our residents and visitors."
Council must meet specific criteria based on recent five-year crash data to be eligible for Black Spot Program funding.
Councillor Glenda Mather, portfolio holder of Transport (Roads, Drainage, Pathways), emphasised the projects' potential to minimise accidents and protect lives.
"Each project's selection is driven by its capacity to significantly reduce accidents, safeguard lives, and alleviate the financial impact of road crashes,” Cr Mather said.
The following four projects are fully funded under the Black Spots Program:
Tanby Road (Kinka Beach Road to Emu Park Road) – $25,000
Install new signs in accordance with the speed limit review, which includes suitable advisory signage.
Farnborough Road (Panorama Drive to Browns Lane) – $220,000
Install new signage as per speed limit review, Chevron Alignment Markers and guideposts, guard rail and Audio Tactile Line Marking.
Scenic Highway, Lammermoor (1.7kms north-west of Clayton Rd, Lammermoor) – $518,500
Provide line marking to delineate channelised right turn, line marking to deter people from parking adjacent to 150 Scenic Highway, footpaths, pedestrian crossing facility and install street lighting. The installation of an appropriate barrier to run adjacent to Lammermoor shared path to replace wooden bollards will also be included in this project.
Percy Ford Street/Scenic Highway – $58,500
Install a controlled right turn for northbound vehicles on the Scenic Highway performing a right turn into Percy Ford Street.
Councillor Mather highlighted that these projects are not solely about road improvements, but about safeguarding lives and enhancing community well-being.
"By addressing known hazardous areas through data-driven analysis and federal support, the council is committed to creating safer roads for all,” Cr Mather said.
Detailed design is set to commence in the 2023/2024 financial year, followed by construction in the 2024/2025 financial year. Importantly, these projects will be fully funded by the Australian Government, alleviating any local financial burden.
For more information on the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, including how to nominate a site for funding, visit investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/black-spot-program.