ANOTHER COLLISION AT NOTORIOUS INTERSECTION

Police reported extensive damage to both vehicles. Photo: Jacob Casha

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A Burdekin intersection notorious for collisions and near misses was the site of another crash on Thursday, 1st October, when two vehicles collided, leaving one on its side.

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The incident occurred at about 3pm at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Giddy Road.

Initial investigations indicate the driver of a vehicle entering the Bruce Highway from Giddy Road and intending to travel south failed to give way.

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The vehicle collided with another vehicle travelling north along the highway.

Police reported extensive damage to both vehicles, with one driver sustaining minor injuries.

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The crash follows a period of extensive surveillance at the intersection, with a mobile CCTV trailer monitoring the site during three separate periods since the beginning of last year.

A Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) spokesperson said investigations into the intersection remained ongoing.

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“All speed limit changes on the state-controlled road network go through a formal review and endorsement process by the local Speed Management Committee,” the spokesperson said.

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The regional committee comprises representatives from TMR, Queensland Police and Burdekin Shire Council.

Investigations have identified driver behaviour as the primary safety issue, particularly gap acceptance, where a driver misjudges whether a gap in traffic is large enough to safely turn or merge, as well as failing to give way when entering the highway.

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The spokesperson said data from the most recent footage will “contribute to the development of a range of treatments to improve safety at this intersection and its approaches.”

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“As the review is still underway, TMR is not in a position to comment on potential outcomes,” the spokesperson added.