What’s Happening?
Mackay Regional Council will introduce interim safety measures at the Holts Road and Glenella-Richmond Road intersection.
The work will address immediate concerns while council continues planning a permanent roundabout at the site.
Early August works will include a 60km/h speed limit across all approaches, new safety signs and improved line marking. Vegetation will also be cleared to give drivers better visibility around the intersection.
A guardrail will be installed along the bend on Glenella-Richmond Road between Larkins Road and Davey Street.
Why It Matters
The intersection has a known crash history, including a fatal crash in March 2026.
Traffic volumes have also increased as the Mackay region continues to grow. More drivers are using surrounding roads as congestion affects Mackay-Bucasia Road and the Mackay Ring Road.
Council says the interim work is needed to reduce current risks while funding for the roundabout remains unresolved.
Local Impact
Guardrail works were scheduled to begin on Monday, 13 July 2026, weather permitting.
The project includes the construction of a sidetrack, pavement replacement and steel beam guardrails. Regulatory signs, hazard signs and landscaping will also form part of the work.
Construction is expected to take about six weeks. Traffic control will operate throughout the project, with single-lane access and alternating traffic used when required.
Drivers may experience delays during work periods and should follow traffic directions near the site.
By The Numbers
- More than 6,000 people signed a community petition calling for a roundabout and stronger safety measures at the intersection.
- The proposed roundabout is expected to cost more than $8 million, which has affected previous funding applications.
- Guardrail construction is expected to continue for about six weeks, depending on weather and site conditions.
Zoom In
Mayor Greg Williamson said the intersection remained a high priority for council and the wider community.
“This intersection has a known crash history, including the fatal crash in March this year, and council has been advocating for funding for some time to deliver a roundabout at this location,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Traffic volumes at this location have increased as our region grows, and as traffic patterns shift due to congestion on major routes like Mackay-Bucasia Road and the Mackay Ring Road,” he said.
Previous funding applications were unsuccessful because available funding did not match the project’s overall cost.
“We are still awaiting assessment and outcomes from several funding applications; however, council acknowledges that action is needed now to reduce risks at this location.
“We have worked with the Queensland Police Service and the Department of Transport and Main Roads to implement a change of speed limit at the site and our teams will be installing new signage over the next few weeks to make that official.
“We have also progressed the design of the roundabout and begun discussions with neighbouring landowners around land acquisitions to ensure the roundabout project is shovel ready.”
Zoom Out
Council’s long-term plan remains the construction of a roundabout at the intersection.
The design has progressed, while discussions with neighbouring landowners have started over the land needed for the project.
Several funding applications are still under assessment. Council is preparing the project so construction can begin once funding is secured.
What To Look For Next?
Drivers should see new speed limit and safety signs installed over the coming weeks.
The broader interim works are planned for early August, while guardrail construction will continue for about six weeks.
Council will also continue land discussions and await decisions on its outstanding funding applications for the roundabout.
