Lights on for Christmas as road upgrade reaches major milestone
The new traffic lights at the intersection of Wellington Street and Panorama Drive in Thornlands are on in time for Christmas, with the road upgrade project reaching the major milestone right on schedule.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said seeing the new intersection in action was a fabulous end to a highly productive year for the Wellington Street / Panorama Drive Road Upgrade project.
“It is great to see this new intersection with traffic lights, and lanes between South Street and the new intersection, operational in time for Christmas,” Cr Williams said.
“Seeing the progress of the road upgrade first-hand and considering the amount of work achieved in only 10 months is very impressive.
“Works are now more than 56 percent complete, with more than 3400m2 of shared cycling/pedestrian pathway and 1294m2 of concrete median constructed, and more than 17,000 tonnes of asphalt laid.
“It is really pleasing to see our city delivering vital infrastructure that will support Redlands Coast for years to come.”
Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle said having four lanes along this stretch of road will make a real difference to people’s daily lives.
“For all Redlanders, but especially perhaps those who are part of the growing population in the south of our city, this road will bring numerous benefits,” Cr Golle said.
“Improving road safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians is the project’s key driver, but the upgrade is also expected to alleviate peak-hour congestion, improve work and school commute times, and improve environmental outcomes.
“Turning two lanes into four along this stretch of road will make a real difference.”
Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie said works would pause over the Christmas period before recommencing in the new year.
“Workers on this important road upgrade will take a well-earned rest over the Christmas break, with works shutting down at close of business on 22 December 2023 and recommencing on Monday, 8 January 2024,” Cr McKenzie said.
“During the shutdown period, bollards and temporary line marking will be in place to direct motorists on to the altered road sections, with speed limits signposted.
“When work starts again on 8 January 2024, the focus will turn to turfing and landscaping to finish off the newly opened sections of road.”
Motorists are encouraged at all times to drive to conditions, with caution, while respecting the speed limit.
The Wellington Street / Panorama Drive Road Upgrade project is being delivered by Redland City Council. The project is supported by the Australian Government ($15 million) through the Infrastructure Investment Program and the Queensland Government ($500,000) through the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.
