With cane season about to start, motorists are reminded to take extra care when crossing rail lines.

Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said a 25-metre concrete shell had been installed over the railway line on the Isis Highway at Cordalba, as part of a new cane rail overpass.

“Signals at the level crossing will operate as normal this cutting season, however trains will have reduced visibility as they exit,” Mr Bennett said.

“When works are complete, the newly aligned Isis Highway road surface will be raised more than five metres above the cane railway, improving safety for motorists and cane train drivers.

“There will be changed traffic conditions at this crossing and I urge motorists to observe and obey all signage while works are undertaken.

“Motorists are also reminded to remain attentive and not gamble with their lives at level crossings across Queensland.”

Mr Bennett said works continue for the 3.6-kilometre highway upgrade between Hendricksons and Hapsburgs roads.

“In the coming weeks, bulk earthworks will be underway with about 47,000 cubic metres of fill to be placed between Hendricksons and Hapsburgs roads,” he said.

“Most of this fill will be generated from within the site and will be transferred via the haulage road contained within the site.”

“The Isis Highway upgrade will improve road safety and traffic flow on the highway and at intersections near Cordalba.

“The upgrade includes a wider road, changes to improve visibility, intersection improvements and separation of the existing cane railway crossing with the overpass structure.”

Due to these works, access to and from Swantons Road and the Isis Highway will be permanently closed and Swantons Road will become a cul-de-sac. Signage will be in place to assist motorists with this change and direct them to an alternate access.

 Work hours will generally be Monday to Saturday between 6am and 6pm, with some speed restrictions in place, and are expected to be completed in early 2014.

For up-to-date information on traffic disruptions, visit www.131940.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.

The Isis Highway works have a budget of $17 million with Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) funding 30 per cent of the works and the remainder allocated and funded in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program.