Major roads overhaul to protect people and wildlife

Published 29 April 2021

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Driving through Petrie and Morayfield will soon be safer for both residents and native wildlife, with a massive $7.7 million to improve safety in high crash zones.

Mayor Peter Flannery said thanks to help from the Federal Government, Moreton Bay Regional Council will be able to upgrade Narangba Road, Torrens Road and Eucumbene Drive in Petrie and Kurwongbah, and Graham Road, Lomandra Drive, Glenwood Drive and Laver Street in Morayfield.

“This jointly funded $7.7 million program of works is possible thanks to $3.2 million from the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program and $4.5 million from Council,” Mayor Flannery said.

“It’s critical to the lifestyle and efficiency of our region that we upgrade our roads to keep pace with growth, but we also need to be smarter about our road designs.

“This funding is specifically to address the issues in notorious crash zones and will also incorporate green infrastructure to help keep resident wildlife safe too.

“Expect to see improvements like the installation of new traffic signals, intersections, road resealing, new and widened footpaths, wildlife crossings, street lighting and more.

“There’ll also be a new fauna rope cage crossing, fauna exclusion fencing and line marking to help create a safer passage for wildlife across Torrens Road by minimising their direct contact with cars.”

Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton said the Morrison Government was contributing $3.2 million to improve safety and reduce the risk for road users in our community.

“This program targets road locations such as the intersection of Eucumbene Drive and Torrens Road in Petrie where crashes are occurring and adds measures such to help reduce the risk of future incidents,” Mr Dutton Said.

“Our Black Spot Program has proven especially effective in saving time, saving lives and saving money by partnering with local councils to deliver major safety improvements.”

Councillor Mick Gillam (Div 8) welcomed the $3.2 million to improve Petrie and Kurwongbah roads.

“Residents tell me all the time that the intersection of Torrens Road and Eucumbene Drive with Narangba Road in Petrie is in shocking need of an upgrade, so the traffic lights here will be good for both traffic flow and safety,” Cr Gillam said.

“There’ll also be infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians so they can travel safely along these roads.”

Councillor Mark Booth (Div 2) said the $4.5 million for Morayfield would be celebrated by local students.

Morayfield East State School car park will also be upgraded as part of these works, so that’ll include a brand drop and go and relocation of the school bus stop area to Glenwood drive which parents tell me is overdue,” Cr Booth said.

“To minimise the impacts on our roads, the works will be undertaken during the day and night, which is especially important for parents to the school during peak times and keep kids safe.

“We’ll be doubling the capacity of Graham Road from two lanes to four lanes, as well installing three new sets of traffic lights at major intersections along Lomandra Drive, Glenwood Drive and Laver Street.”