Recently, upgrades were completed on the New England Highway between Stanthorpe and Ballandean, making it much safer for drivers and motorcyclists.
The $19 million project funded through the Palaszczuk Government’s Targeted Road Safety Program, had successfully delivered key safety treatments on four sections.
“These works included widening the road to install a wide centre line and safer turning conditions at key intersections, clearing vegetation to improve visibility, culvert extensions and replacements, road repairs and new line marking,” Assistant Regional Roads Minister Bruce Saunders 
says.
“These treatments increase the safety for all road users and the communities next to the New England Highway.
“The project has been challenging for several reasons, including drought-breaking rains earlier this year, which contributed to project delays.
“We are grateful to the community and local businesses for their resilience and patience during works.”
Mr Saunders says the final touches, including audio tactile line marking, had also now been completed.
“Standard post-works monitoring is ongoing to identify defects and coordinate any necessary repairs,” he says.
“As a part of the project, 100 new homes for our feathered and furry friends have been installed.
“The fauna boxes help mitigate the impacts of roadside tree removal on local wildlife, and the new homes are ideally located for young families seeking a tree change.”
Mr Saunders says the project also supported the Ballandean Football Club.
“The project contractors, SEE Civil, teamed up with the local club to put excess clean fill from the roadworks to good use, and have literally levelled the football club’s playing fields,” he says.
Safety improvements have been designed for a further three sections of the New England Highway between Stanthorpe and Ballandean.
