Planning begins for upgrades to Maryborough-Hervey Bay Rd intersection

Planning is now underway to upgrade the Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road, Ibis Boulevard and Fairway Drive intersection in Queensland, and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is seeking feedback from the community. 

The upgrade will aim to improve safety as well as efficiency for motorists and pedestrians on Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road at the intersections of Ibis Boulevard and Fairway Drive, and the Old Maryborough Road / Boat Harbour Drive roundabout. 

Early investigations have identified a possible solution, but community input is needed to further understand the community’s main issues and priorities for this busy road. 

“This announcement is good news for residents. I want to thank Minister Bailey and his department for listening to the people of Hervey Bay and commencing this consultation. 

“I know the intersection is a growing problem and I would like to thank residents who are advocating for its improvement. Consultation is the first step in working with the community to identify the best options as this part of Hervey Bay continues to expand into the future,” Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said. 

Project map (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

Consultation with local residents, landowners and businesses will now be carried out to gather feedback that will be considered in the development of a preferred upgrade option. TMR will conduct another consultation in early 2024 once a preferred upgrade option is determined. For more information on the consultation for this project, you can visit this page.

Planning activities currently being undertaken will help enable TMR to develop a cost estimate and allow the proposed upgrade to be considered as part of future reviews of the transport infrastructure program. 

“Any future upgrade needs to improve traffic efficiency and safety for Eli Waters residents and the surrounding Hervey Bay communities, reduce the likelihood of crashes and wait times at peak hours. 

“We want to hear the local community’s concerns about this location, and their ideas for improvements. 

“We know the community will be very interested in this planning project and they will have the opportunity to share their views over the coming months. 

“The improvements being planned at this location dovetail nicely with the upcoming Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road intersection upgrade and will lead to better traffic flow in this area, creating improved access to the great lifestyle Hervey Bay and the Fraser Coast has to offer,” Transport and Main Roads Minister and Minister for Digital Services Mark Bailey said. 

The Queensland Government has committed $700,000 towards this planning phase that will identify a preferred upgrade option that: 

• Meets current and future traffic demand 
• Reduces traffic delays during peak traffic periods 
• Improves network safety and efficiency in the Hervey Bay area and enhances transport network resilience 
• Addresses community access and amenity issues including improving bicycle and pedestrian accessibility, connectivity and overall safety 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads