The intersection of Goodwood Road and Woodgate Road will receive a safety upgrade thanks to a funding boost from the Coalition Government.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the busy intersection had been identified in the latest round of Road Safety Program funding.

“This is a big win for locals. One life lost on our roads is one too many and these new safety upgrades will provide protected right turn lanes to reduce the risk of rear end and overtaking accidents,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Coalition Government has committed $4.48 million to five road safety projects in the Wide Bay Burnett region, with three projects in the Hinkler electorate.

“The upgrade at Goodwood Road and Woodgate Road intersection will provide a protected right turn and widen the taper into a turning lane.

“The work at the intersection of Bourbong Street and Burrum Street will prohibit right turns out of Burrum Street and provide a central median for pedestrians to cross Burrum Street in two stages.

“A section on Booral Road in Hervey Bay – from Parke Avenue to Bingham Road – will have the wide centre line treatment added, as well as shoulder widening and audio tactile line marking.

“These improvements will start rolling out in coming weeks and are expected to be completed by mid-2022, meaning the community will quickly start reaping the benefits.

“Currently around 1,200 people die and 40,000 are seriously injured on our roads each year, which is why our Government is taking strong action by delivering record investment in road safety across the nation.”

The Government has already invested $1.5 billion under the Road Safety Program in more than 1,050 road safety projects across Australia, most of which are complete and benefiting communities.

The Australian Government has committed $4,480,000 to the road upgrades in the Wide Bay Burnett with the Queensland State Government committing $1,120,000.

For more information on the Australian Government’s $3 billion Road Safety Program and other road safety initiatives, visit officeofroadsafety.gov.au/programs/infrastructure-programs.