A WINDING and hilly section of the Bruce Highway north of Gin Gin has been worrying regular drivers in the area for years.

But after the Department of Transport and Main Roads dropped the speed limit from 100kmh to 90kmh on the section known as the Big Dipper, police have seen an improvement.

As well as dropping the speed limit, a number of signs warning the area is a high crash zone have also been erected.

RACQ senior traffic and safety engineer Greg Miszkowycz said lowering the speed limit was just a start.

“It is really an interim measure — you can bring the speed limit down to 90 but you really need to look at upgrading the road,” he said.

Mr Miszkowycz said the slower speed meant drivers had more time to react and to look for hazards.

Bundaberg Police Inspector Kev Guteridge said the number of crashes along the road had reduced dramatically since the speed limit was lowered.

“Last year in about two weeks we had 14 crashes along that section,” he said.

“We have only had two crashes since the speed limit was lowered and there has been a higher presence of police in the area.”

A spokeswoman for the Department of Transport and Main Roads said it was too early to determine the extent of the limit change’s success.

“The department is currently completing a design to realign the Bruce Highway at the Big Dipper to enhance safety,” she said.