Kin Kin Road Engineering Review

We've completed extensive investigations on our operational management of Kin Kin Road in response to community concerns around heavy vehicle traffic.

We undertook assessments and investigations to complete the Kin Kin Road (141) Engineering Review on the condition and management of Kin Kin Road. 

The review examines a section of the road from the Gympie Regional Council and Noosa Shire Council boundary, about 9km north of Kin Kin, to the southern end at the intersection with Cooroy Connection Road. It examines: 

  • road use, including traffic volumes and growth, and speed limits and compliance 
  • road geometry and capability 
  • vehicle crash analysis and history 
  • road surface and pavement condition 
  • existing timber bridges 
  • infrastructure projects 
  • heavy vehicle management 
  • other considerations such as wildlife strikes. 

It also reviews management strategies applied to the road, maintenance and upgrades carried out, as well as planned future works.

The review concludes that even though Kin Kin Road does not show an adverse crash history, we will continue to work with its maintenance contractor in responding to the maintenance needs, including further speed reviews or speed limit changes as needed. 

We will continue to plan for future upgrades balanced with state-wide needs on the wider road network and available funding.

 

Benefits

  • Improves safety
  • Improves network efficiency
  • Improves flood immunity
  • Reduces maintenance
  • Improves ride quality

Key features

This review presents the findings of assessments and investigations undertaken into the condition of Kin Kin Road. It features: 

  • traffic data for Kin Kin Road including peak travel times
  • speed limit data, reviews and risk assessments for Kin Kin Range
  • speed limit compliance data
  • the Austroads vehicle classifications
  • a heavy vehicle and passenger vehicle swept path analysis
  • photos of road geometry and road warning signs
  • an analysis of vehicle crashes between 2010 and June 2021
  • an independent expert review.

Background 

Kin Kin Road is part of the state-controlled road network and functions as a rural arterial road connecting communities and centres in the Noosa and Cooloola hinterland, east of the Bruce Highway. 

Over the last 2 years we have undertaken additional measures to improve the safety and condition of Kin Kin Road. These include:

  • reducing the speed limit on several sections of the road to slow traffic and improve safety for all motorists
  • roadside vegetation and drainage maintenance to reduce potential roadside hazards and reduce the risk of future pavement damage
  • undertaking bitumen resealing on almost 8km of Kin Kin Road to provide a waterproofing layer, improve skid resistance and help extend the life of the road pavement
  • reducing stopping time for school buses as much as possible within project areas on Kin Kin Road, to ensure morning and afternoon school bus services run on time
  • ensuring priority access through the project work zones is given to emergency vehicles
  • providing frequent updates to the community about upcoming travel impacts relating to the roadworks on Kin Kin Road.

Funding has been allocated in the 2023–24 budget to investigate 2 future widening and strengthening projects on Kin Kin Road, from Sallwood Court to Turnbull Road, and Williams Road to Western Branch Road.

Motorists are encouraged to report hazards on state-controlled roads, such as potholes, by calling 13 19 40 for priority action.

Operations of the Kin Kin Quarry

We have no authority to close or relocate the Kin Kin Quarry as this business is operating under a longstanding local government development approval that was first issued by Noosa Shire Council in 1987. 

The quarry operates under the Quarry Management Plan which includes a Traffic Management Plan detailing haul routes, truck gaps, driver behaviour and operating times. 

We have no authority to change the Quarry Management Plan and cannot implement permanent restrictions on heavy vehicles using Kin Kin Road.

If you have any concerns about the quarry's operations, including its suitability for the area, impacts, volume of heavy vehicles to and from the quarry, and haulage routes, please contact the Noosa Shire Council via mail@noosa.qld.gov.au or (07) 5329 6500.