{"id":228734,"date":"2019-02-15T17:49:24","date_gmt":"2019-02-15T07:49:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=228734"},"modified":"2020-07-24T13:12:29","modified_gmt":"2020-07-24T03:12:29","slug":"have-your-say-on-roundabout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2019\/02\/15\/have-your-say-on-roundabout\/","title":{"rendered":"Have Your Say On Roundabout"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
The intersection of the Wide Bay and Bruce Highways near Bell’s Bridge … initial plans to build a complex ‘seagull’ intersection upgrade have been scrapped in favour of a roundabout (Photo: TMR)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

February 15, 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is now investigating the feasibility of installing a roundabout on the intersection of the Wide Bay and Bruce highways near Bell’s Bridge.<\/p>\n

The investigation has come after public consultations suggested a roundabout would be significantly safer than TMR’s initial recommendation for a complex “seagull configuration” intersection.<\/p>\n

More than 12,000 vehicles – including 2000 heavy vehicles – pass through the intersection every day.<\/p>\n

During peak times, high traffic volumes can lead to long queues and lengthy delays.<\/p>\n

Plans to improve the site were first announced in May 2017, with the Federal Government contributing $11.2 million towards the $14 million project and the State Government contributing the balance.<\/p>\n

In October the same year, TMR released its initial upgrade plans and said it expected to complete the design in mid-2018, with construction to start late last year.<\/p>\n

However, after public consultation it was decided a roundabout would provide significant safety benefits by slowing traffic and reducing the risk of side impact crashes.<\/p>\n

This led TMR to scrap its initial plans and prepare preliminary designs for the roundabout instead.<\/p>\n

Member for Wide Bay Llew O\u2019Brien is encouraging South Burnett residents to have their say on the new design proposal.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a dangerous intersection and it\u2019s important that we get the right design to make it safer and ensure traffic flows smoothly and efficiently through it,\u201d Mr O\u2019Brien said.<\/p>\n

“This upgrade will benefit all drivers on the Wide Bay Highway, particularly people in townships like Murgon, Goomeri and Kilkivan and the South Burnett who get caught in lengthy delays at the intersection,” Mr O’Brien said.<\/p>\n

“I encourage everyone to have a say on the proposed roundabout solution.”<\/p>\n

To share your views, contact the department by telephoning 1300 728-390, by emailing DTMR’s office<\/b><\/a> or visiting TMR’s website<\/b><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Related articles:<\/strong><\/p>\n