Riders should have input into more than $35 million in roadworks being planned for one of South East Queensland’s most popular motorcycling routes, says a rider representative.
The Queensland Government will spend the money on improving the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road, sometimes jokingly referred to as the “Hinze Raceway” as it’s popular with riders and passes by the Hinze Dam.
The road has also been used in many motorcycle product launches such as the Suzuki Katana launch last year.
Roadworks plans
Transport and Main Roads tell us the proposed improvement locations are:
- Wide centreline marking from Beaudesert–Nerang Road to Latimers Crossing Road;
- Dedicated right turns into Parkway Drive and Tangara Road at Advancetown; and
- Other works being considered include shoulder or road widening, improved signs and rubrail, and/or guardrail at various locations along the 36km stretch of road.
Rider input
Motorcycle crash on the Nerang-Murwillumbah RdHowever, Australian Motorcycle Council secretary John Eacott is calling on rider input for improvements to the road which records frequent motorcycle accidents.
He says there is “very little detail” at the moment.
“We would expect that BG&E (the Queensland comp[any contracted to perform the work) would contact and consult with motorcyclists during their design phase,” John says.
“Too often the sharp end of road users are overlooked, and no real improvements result to benefit the most vulnerable road user group: riders!”
John Eacott at BeechmontUnfortunately, there is no longer a Queensland rider representative group after the Motorcycle Riders Association of Queensland closed in January this year.
However, if you have any suggestions, we would be happy to pass them on to TMR.
The road has already had some upgrades and was one of the first in the state with flexible Chevroflex signs (top image) that prevent rider injures and deaths if hit.
Work is expected to start next year.
We have two major concerns.
One is that the “wide centreline marking” means even less chance to overtake slow traffic, leading to frustration and dangerous passing manoeuvres.
The other is that — like so many other improved roads — they will make it much smoother and safer … and then reduce the speed limit even further!