Accident prone range to get electronic incident alerts
ROADS
IMPROVED accident management is planned for the Kuranda Range and part of the Captain Cook Highway as part of a multi-million push to better respond to incidents.
Electronic message signs will be permanently installed on the range, however no signage was planned for southbound traffic on the Captain Cook Highway from Port Douglas to Smithfield according to Minister for Fire and Emergency Services and Member for Barron River, Craig Crawford.
"It is something for the Department of Main Roads and Transport to certainly consider," he told Newsport.
“Certainly there would be a case to look at signage for southbound traffic from Craiglie on the Captain Cook Highway. I’m sure it’s something the local member for that area could have a look at."
Crawford said the new $3million signage project on the Kuranda Range would provide accurate, timely advice to road users.
"Temporary, trailer-mounted Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) has been in place since late 2015 on the Kuranda Range 'but we now have a system delivering real-time benefits in terms of traffic conditions, road hazards and incidents on the range," he said.
“The signs are being placed at key decision-making points on the Kennedy and Captain Cook Highways to allow drivers plenty of time to change their plans if there is an incident," he said.
The project included installing an Automatic Number Plate Recognition system to measure traffic flow on the range.
Crawford said installation of the new signs – due to be switched on next month – coincided with completion of a separate $3 million project to upgrade safety at a crash hot-spot near Streets Creek.
“Widening works were completed late last year and crews are putting the finishing touches to new guardrails,” he said.
“The range is a very challenging environment to work in and I commend the project team for designing and installing a solution with minimal impact on the surrounding sensitive Wet Tropics environment.”
Crawford warned the new upgrades would not prevent unplanned incidents on Kuranda Range.
“This is by no means a ‘silver bullet’ and there will still be crashes or landslips that require lengthy closures for the safety of road users and response crews,” he said.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and all road users should stick to the speed limit and drive to conditions, especially during wet weather.
Motorists who regularly use Kuranda Range can also subscribe to a free SMS service by calling 13 19 40 and following the prompts.
For the latest information about traffic and travel conditions motorist should visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.
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