Department of Main Roads Regional Manager

Ron Michel, Steve Wettenhall & Hon Craig Wallace

Minister for Main Roads inspect the new safety

improvements on the Captain Cook Hwy.

Minister Wallace said after successful trials here in the north, $6 million would be spent rolling out new 'visibeads' along the full length of the Bruce Highway and other major roads in regional Queensland.

Mr Wallace made the announcement at the McGregor Road roundabout on the Cook Highway where visibead linemarkings have already been laid.

Visibeads are large round glass beads that reflect light embedded in the line marking paint.  The markings are 50 per cent wider than normal line markings.

The beads are sprayed on the line marking paint to produce a highly reflective surface that drivers can see more clearly and from greater distances.

"The larger beads also stand out in wet weather, so motorists can see the line markings more clearly.  They also last longer than conventional line marking," he said.

"The effect is amazing when you consider that each glass bead is only 1.4mm in size," he said.

Member for Barron River, Steve Wettenhall said the issue of safer roads was high on the agenda for the local community.

"We're a tourist region and that means a lot of sightseers on our roads, with many people opting to travel north along the Bruce Highway.  These new visibeads will go a long way towards making our roads safer for motorists, particularly in the wet season," Mr Wettenhall said.

The North Queensland trials were conducted on the Bruce Highway between Bowen and Cairns and on other major arterial roads, including the Townsville Ring Road and sections of the Captain Cook Highway.

Media Inquiries:    Minister's Office    3896 3689