David Lee says Hervey Bay roundabout is a safety risk

A ‘dangerous’ roundabout in the heart of Hervey Bay is in need of a complete transformation after too many ‘near misses’. Vote in our poll:

A push to transform one of Hervey Bay’s busiest intersections is underway, with Fraser Coast councillor David Lee saying traffic lights should replace the existing roundabout.

The Main St and Boat Harbour Dr roundabout is one of the busiest intersections in the heart of Hervey Bay’s city centre.

“This roundabout is under sustained pressured and it’s vitally important that we have a long term, well-considered plan around traffic safety risk with this intersection,” he said.

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Mr Lee said traffic lights were a “sensible option” for the intersection amid concerns he had received from the community about a number of “near misses” between motorists.

“Each day about 21,000 motorists approach the roundabout from Boat Harbour Drive and about 15,000 motorists from Main Street,” Mr Lee added in a statement.

“These traffic figures are based on 2019 data.”

Fraser Coast councillor David Lee is pushing for the Main St and Boat Harbour Dr roundabout to be transformed and made safer for the community.

The Division 9 councillor is calling on the state government to fix the “dangerous” roundabout.

“Many members in our community have expressed serious concerns about the safety of the roundabout,” Mr Lee said in a statement.

“It is only a matter of time before we have a serious traffic accident.”

Mr Lee highlighted the roundabout would be “under growing and sustained pressure” in future years with the Bunnings, Anaconda, Stockland and Pialba town centre developments.

“Our population is growing and with that comes more and more pressure on our existing roadways,” he said in a statement.

“We have to start planning for the future.”

Mr Lee told reporters a “well-considered plan” was needed to improve the safety of the roundabout.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesman said the safety and capacity of the intersection would be considered as part of the Fraser Coast Integrated Transport Strategy.

The Main St and Boat Harbour Dr roundabout is one of the busiest intersections in Hervey Bay.

“FITS is a collaborative effort with Fraser Coast Regional Council to prioritise and guide transport planning and future investment candidates for key transport infrastructure in the region over the next 20 years,” she said.

“Traffic modelling has already started to provide the necessary data for transport planning.

“We will consider potential improvements, including the installation of traffic signals, should planning identify that upgrading the intersection is warranted

“We will continue to monitor the intersection’s safety and efficiency.

“Our most recent data, from 2019, on traffic volumes at the Boat Harbour Drive and Main Street intersection records an annual daily average of 29,011 vehicles, including heavy vehicles.”