LIGHTS ON FOR BUSY TINANA INTERSECTION

NEW traffic signals have been switched on at the Gympie and Iindah roads intersection, in Tinana, on the Bruce Highway.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the project would significantly improve safety and efficiency amid growing traffic volumes at the Wide Bay region intersection.

“Around Australia the Federal Government is focused on investing in upgrading roads to ensure people can get home sooner and safer – and our commitment to the Bruce Highway is central in that plan,” Mr McCormack said.

“This is yet another milestone on this vital project which makes the Bruce safer.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the new interchange opened to traffic in August last year and all works were formally completed the following month.

“This is a great example of the Queensland and Australian governments working together to deliver a safer, more efficient Bruce Highway for motorists and industry throughout Queensland,” Mr Bailey said.

“This upgrade will improve safety for all users, streamline traffic and improve efficiency.”

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien thanked the local community for its patience and understanding during the works.

“Since the construction of the $38 million Tinana Interchange on the Bruce Highway and the removal of the off-ramp to Gympie, there has been increased traffic on the new southbound off-ramp to Iindah Road West,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The new traffic signals, along with dedicated right-turn lanes on Gympie Road, will better control vehicle and pedestrian movements – minimising the potential for crashes, particularly for traffic entering Gympie Road during peak periods.”

“Part of the project involved modifying the Tinana State School carpark to keep kids safe around traffic as well as suit the relocated access and new traffic signals,” Mr O’Brien said.

State Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the new interchange opened to traffic in August last year and all works were formally completed by September.

“I would like to make special mention of nearby businesses and the Tinana State School community who have been very understanding throughout these final intersection works,” Mr Saunders said.

The Tinana Interchange project forms part of the Australian Government’s $10 billion investment to the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program. 

The Tinana Interchange upgrade project was jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $30.4 million and the Queensland Government contributing $7.6 million.