Palaszczuk Government gives Green Light to Rothwell intersection
Traffic congestion at Rothwell’s busiest intersection is set to ease with the Palaszczuk Government investing $22.6 million towards the intersection upgrade, to get works underway.
Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey, Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath and Member for Murrumba Chris Whiting visited the site today to announce the additional injection of funds.
Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government would commit additional funding toward the upgrade to fund the shortfall left by the Federal Government.
“Last weekend I was here onsite talking to a delegation of 18 locals who told me how much this upgraded is needed. On Monday I met with a further delegation, including the local Members for Murrumba and Redcliffe. Today, I’m pleased to announce we will invest $22.6 million, almost two thirds of the funding for this vital project,” Mr Bailey said.
“We have listened to the community and now we have a funded solution, which will cater for the more than 35,000 vehicles which use the intersection each day.
“After a great deal of uncertainly, and no progress during the term of the previous LNP government, the local community can now rest easy knowing the Palaszczuk Government is delivering this project, with shovels expected to be in the ground as soon as the end of this year.
“The Rothwell intersection upgrade will relieve traffic congestion by increasing capacity and efficiency for motorists, while also providing a safer intersection for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.”
“Installing traffic lights will provide the safest solution to address the increased traffic expected once the additional Rothwell Station access at Gynther Road opens to the public,” he said.
“Currently, there are no provisions for cyclists and pedestrians crossing the roundabout and this upgrade will improve active transport options, which are also expected to increase when the rail opens.”
Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath said the upgrade has been a long time coming.
“In 2014 the Abbott Government removed $159 million in savings from the Moreton Bay Rail Link project budget, despite previously agreeing to use some of that money for the Rothwell roundabout – and the Newman Government did nothing about it ” Ms D’Ath said.
The Palaszczuk Government has put funding on the table, and has been relentless in seeking Federal Government agreement to recommit funding for the upgrade.
We were rewarded for our efforts in December last year with the Federal Government finally committing to fund up to $11.7 million for the upgrade, but that still left a shortfall.
“A commitment by the Palaszczuk Government to fund this shortfall makes us by far the largest contributor to the project, and means we can get construction underway as soon as possible.
The upgrade is currently in the detailed design phase and nearing finalisation after consultation with the community earlier this month. Construction is expected to start by late 2016 and will take about 12 months to complete.”
Member for Murrumba Chris Whiting said the Moreton Bay Rail Link’s nearby location meant traffic volumes would increase as commuters navigated the intersection to access the new Rothwell station.
“This upgrade will ensure the network can cope with increasing volumes and the integrated road and rail infrastructure will provide the best and safest outcomes for the community,” Mr Whiting said.
“I’ve contacted over 15,000 residents about the Rothwell Roundabout upgrade, I’m pleased to be able to tell them today that the Palaszczuk Government is getting on with the job and delivering for our community.”
The $37.5 million upgrade to the Anzac Avenue and Deception Bay Road intersection is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments and Morten Bay Regional Council.
The Queensland Government is investing $22.6. The Australian Government is contributing up to $11.7 and Morten Bay Regional Council is contributing $3.2 million.