Motorists are frustrated after having to deal with roadworks on the El Arish Range at Smith’s Gap for almost 12 months and are now getting angry with the hold up.  

State Member for Hill Shane Knuth said it was becoming a joke and that residents needed answers as to what is taking so long.  

Mr Knuth said he had constantly been on to Transport and Main Roads back and then with frustration put a question on notice to the Minister for answers to delays last week and has now been informed that works have recommenced, and the south bound lane is expected to be reopened by June 29, weather permitting.  

“These roadworks at Smiths Gap have been underway for an extraordinary long period and many times works have come to a complete stop, sometimes for weeks, causing confusion, red light delays, anger, frustration and dangerous conditions to road users,” Mr Knuth said.  

Mr Knuth has called on Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey to take action and is pleased that works have recommenced, but he still wants answer.  

“Now is the time for works to be completed before someone is seriously hurt,” he said.   

“If this was in the southeast corner you can bet that this would not be an issue.”  

Mr Knuth said it had already been reported that there had been accidents at the road works and many people were angry with delays.  

“My office has been contacted by a lot of frustrated people who have at times not seen workers on the ground doing work even in fine weather for at least a couple of weeks at a time,” he said.  

“If construction started in July 2020, how are the works not already completed?”  

The $13.8 million Smith’s Gap project is fully funded by the Australian Governments Bruce Highway Overtaking Lane Program which includes a new overtaking lane and a new fauna crossing for cassowaries.