ANOTHER overtaking lane has been removed from the Kuranda Range road.
The first overtaking lane on the range from Kuranda to Cairns after the Barron River bridge has been removed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads because it no longer meets current safety standards.
The removal of the lane is part of the ongoing rehabilitation and resealing works that have been carried out on the Kennedy Highway, east of the Barron River bridge at Kuranda, for the past few months.
A department spokesman said when upgrading existing infrastructure, the department was required to meet current standards to ensure safety for all road users and the old overtaking lane was not applicable.
“The overtaking lanes were not long enough to allow for safe overtaking manoeuvres and have been removed,” he said.
“We have installed a slow vehicle pullover lane on the westbound lane (towards Kuranda).
“Before works started, we informed nearby residents and road users about the works.”
But on social media, residents and range users said there was little to no communication from the department and many are upset about the change.
While some believed the removal of the lane was good and others believed there needed to be more overtaking lanes not less, everyone agreed there was a lack of communication.
Pat Mau also drew attention to slow vehicles such as trucks, caravans and tourists who would often use the lane to let other drivers safely pass.
“It’s not a matter of getting up or down the range quicker but drivers of large vehicles, tourists who don’t know the range or those who just puddle along etc cause those behind them a lot of frustration,” she said.
“That is when people make foolish decisions causing accidents and other problems.”
Sue James said the government had to bite the bullet and build an alternative.
“Just get on and build a brand new road and keep this one for the scenic route for tourists,” she said.
“All the money spent reviewing, surveying, faffing around, could have bought us a new safer road years ago,” she said.
John Noack said it was yet another overtaking lane removed.
“What’s left of the westbound one serves no purpose now as every vehicle exiting the corner, so it’s a complete waste of time,” he said.
“Why couldn’t the overtaking lanes be made longer? Oh wait, that might upset the Greenies,” he said.
The department is also working with the Australian Government to develop an appropriate scope of works as part of the Federal Government’s $210 million funding commitment for upgrades on the road.
“We will consult with the local community and other stakeholders,” the spokesman said.
