The retention of the right-turn lane at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Lucketts Road near Childers has been applauded by the Federal Member for Hinkler Paul Neville and State Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett.
Mr Neville and Mr Bennett have worked conjointly over the past 12 months to retain the existing right-turn lane into Lucketts Road and have welcomed this week’s decision by both State and Federal Governments.
It was proposed to implement a left in/left out treatment at the Bruce Highway and Lucketts Road intersection as part of fully Federally funded works to upgrade the intersection following an accident in 2007.
However subsequent upgrades to the intersection, recommended by Mr Neville, including the construction of a dedicated turning lane, the removal of a confusing “overtaking lane 500 metres ahead sign” and improved demarcation of the intersection has resulted in no serious accidents since 2007.
Mr Bennett and Mr Neville said the upgrades to the intersection and a proposed enhancement of the dedicated right hand lane meant an original decision to restrict the intersection to a “left in, left out” arrangement was no longer required.
Mr Neville said he was pleased the Federal Government had agreed to change the scope of the project which will see the right turn lane retained.
“This is a positive outcome for the local Childers community, particularly the operators of well known Lucketts Road tourist businesses, Snakes Downunder and Mamminos Gourmet Ice Cream” Mr Bennett said.
“Both these businesses were facing negative outcomes if the flow of traffic into Lucketts Road was restricted” he said.