SOMERSET Regional Council welcomes the news of an additional $20 million for the Brisbane Valley Highway Safety Upgrades project, announced on Thursday, 27 February by the Federal Government.

The new funding is on top of the joint funding commitment of $40.5 million between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Somerset Regional Council announced in the South East Queensland City Deal.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said council was grateful to see both the State and Federal Government taking strides to upgrade the Brisbane Valley Highway.

“Leading into the 2024 State Elections we advocated for an investment of $84 million over four years,” Cr Wendt said.

“Less than a year later, we’re almost 75% of the way to this funding goal.

“This funding will enhance the road safety, improve surfacing and pavement, and improve the freight and transport links on the Brisbane Valley Highway.

“We thank our local members for doing their part to secure this funding.”

Cr Wendt said the Brisbane Valley Highway is in disrepair and unable to handle increased traffic, including heavy vehicles.

“In 2024 the road ranked amongst RACQ’s most Unroadworthy Roads due to poor conditions, design limitations and lack of overtaking lanes,” Cr Wendt said.

“This is the major road artery into Somerset and with thousands of heavy vehicles using the road every day, improvements to this highway are necessary.

“We’ll continue advocating for an addition $24 million to bring the Brisbane Valley Highway up to modern requirements.

“Let’s get this road off RACQ’s Unworthy Roads list and bring it up to a standard our community can be proud of.”

This new $20 million will build on previous state-funded safety improvements, including resealing, shoulder widening and other safety treatments on the section from the Warrego Highway to Fernvale, upgrades to pedestrian facilities, and pavement strengthening and rehabilitation.

Cr Wendt said Somerset Regional Council will do everything it can to bring forward the delivery of this project by working collaboratively with TMR.

“We’ll also stress to TMR the need to plan for four lanes between Warrego Highway and Fernvale, and overtaking lanes in each direction between Fernvale and Esk, Esk and Toogoolawah, Toogoolawah and Harlin, and Harlin and the D’Aguilar Highway intersection,” Cr Wendt said.

“We expect this funding will enable a detailed business case for long-term upgrades needed along the entire length of the Brisbane Valley Highway.

“All levels of government need to be proactive, not reactive, to the predicted growth of Somerset and the SEQ, and improving the Brisbane Valley Highway is integral to supporting our community into the future.”