$9m road upgrade to start

Work on a $9 million project to realign 600 metres of road, on the border of Moreton Bay City and the Sunshine Coast, is to start this month.

It will improve safety on a winding section of the Maleny–Stanley River Road, just east of Mears Lane at Booroobin, and is expected to be finished early next year.

Known as Pigsty Hill, the section is on a steep incline of Bellthorpe Range and has a significant crash history, especially for motorbikes.

The design will see five curves, including two tight curves, in this road section reduced to three gradual curves easier and safer to navigate.

It will widen lanes and widen and seal shoulders to give more room for motorists on this road section. Roadside drainage will also be improved.

“This safety project will make a major difference for all road users who travel this section of Maleny–Stanley River Road, including residents and tourists, passenger vehicles, motorbike riders and cyclists,” TMR North Coast Region, Regional Director Scott Whitaker said.

Trees replanted

“The improved road standard will also support an increase in the speed limit along this stretch of road from 60km/h to 80km/h following completion of the project, to align with the speed limit on the rest of Maleny–Stanley River Rd.

A large section of trees and vegetation will be removed within the road reserve to make way for the realignment following detailed environmental work, including ecological surveys.

During clearing, a qualified arborist will supervise to ensure the impact on remaining vegetation is minimised. Fauna spotter catchers will also be on site.

The current road will be rehabilitated and replanted with native trees and vegetation.

The Australian and Queensland Governments are each providing $4.5 million project which is part of the Federal Road Safety Program.