Smithfield residents call for works to improve bypass safety ahead of noise reduction
Works to address “atrocious” noise issues on the $164m Smithfield Bypass have left locals disappointed critical safety issues are not being prioritised. How the project will affect you.
Cairns
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WORKS to address “atrocious” noise issues on the $164m Smithfield Bypass have left locals disappointed critical safety issues are not being prioritised after numerous collisions and near-misses, including a horror head-on smash in June.
Although the Department of Transport and Main Roads announced noise reduction works will begin at the Smithfield Bypass on the Captain Cook Highway from August 22-24, Division 9 Councillor Brett Olds and residents have been left disappointed that safety works are not being prioritised.
The scheduled work will mean the bypass will be closed at McGregor Road daily from 9am-3pm and will include routine tensioning of expansion joints to reduce noise from vehicles.
Cr Olds said while he was happy about the noise reduction works taking place he is disappointed time and money is not being invested to improve the safety of the bypass.
“The noise is atrocious and I don’t think it is meant to be like that so I am not sure what the actual problem is, but it sounds terrible and I have had plenty of calls from the people that live around there and the working campus saying what is going on. It’s really loud, so while it’s good to fix that it is not the big safety problem, “ he said.
Cr Olds is calling for concrete barriers to be put up on the bypass to prevent drivers going into the wrong lane and for the concrete wall at the McGregor road roundabout to be removed and replaced with an option that will not impact driver’s vision.
“To make good decisions on the road you need good vision to be able to see what’s going on, he said.
Nicholas Kollner, from Smithfield, said the noise from the bypass can be heard all night and in the interest of public safety wanted to see barriers placed on the bypass.
“You can hear the clonking noise all night long,” he said.
“There is one main section of road where it makes that big noise and then it scares you in the car so its risky business while driving.
“With the bus accident and others maybe if they had better barrier protection that would be good as having head on collisions is also risky and I’m all about public safety as well.”
Cr Olds stressed the importance of people’s lives and taking fast action.
“It’s always easier and cheaper to measure twice and cut once,” he said
“It might take a few more accidents or someone dying for them to say lets fix it. Well instead let’s be proactive about it and fix it now before the worse happens.
“You are dealing with people’s lives here so let’s put these traffic management plans in.”
Kevin Coombs who lives around the Northern beaches said he really enjoys the paths along the bypass despite the noise.
“I use the paths around three times a week and I enjoy it,” he said.
A spokesman from Department of Transport and Main Roads said safety was a priority for the department and that there are plans for future safety works.
“Future planned safety enhancements include adjustments to the bike lane at Atika Creek and lighting improvements for McGregor Road roundabout,” he said.
“The safety of all road users is our number one priority.
“We routinely undertake important safety inspections and reviews.”
Detours will be put into place while the works take place including: Southbound access to the Smithfield bypass will be via McGregor road and Unnamed road.
Northbound motorists on the Smithfield bypass will exit via unnamed road.
Kudakai Crossland Connection (old Captain Cook Highway) will not be impacted.
The bypass was opened in November 2021.
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Originally published as Smithfield residents call for works to improve bypass safety ahead of noise reduction
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