River Rose Drive connection from Bunnings completed in Norman Gardens
After being touted for more than 13 years, there is finally brand new bitumen and a landscaped roundabout connecting the two ends of River Rose Drive.
Rockhampton
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After being touted for more than a decade, there is finally brand new bitumen on the ground and a landscaped roundabout allowing for traffic to flow through both ends of River Rose Drive in North Rockhampton.
Connecting River Rose Drive from the highway on Yaamba Road to the Forest Park Estate on the Norman Road side has been in the works since as early as 2011 when Masters looked to build off the Bruce Highway, which Bunnings now calls home.
Masters opened in 2013 and closed in 2016 in a nationwide closure of 61 stores and 21 development sites.
Bunnings moved from down the road and opened at the former Masters site in 2018.
Cries for the connection to be completed as estates and more housing began to grow in Norman Gardens and traffic would have to go out through Farm Street or Yeppoon Road to get to the highway and Bunnings.
Rockhampton Regional Council had the project in the forward budget for some time and work began in late 2022.
It was originally estimated to cost $2.2 million and was $2.5 million at final completion.
The works were funded by the Federal Government.
Infrastructure Councillor Marika Taylor the importance of getting funding for such projects couldn’t be understated.
“It’s been great to see the improvement of traffic flow and connectivity for Norman Gardens residents since the opening of the River Rose Drive connection,” she said.
“The importance of receiving external funding for projects like this cannot be understated, particularly in growing communities like ours where road improvements of this kind have far-reaching impacts.
“As a result of this funding program we have welcomed nearly $10 million during the four phases, bringing significant upgrades to both urban and rural roads within our region.”
The project included linking the two existing sections of River Rose Drive over vacant land with a new road, underground services and a roundabout with a connection point for the future extension to Stringybark Avenue.
At the time, it was said to increase traffic flow for commuters and businesses but also better access for emergency services.
There has also been criticism from residents that the road would become a rat race as the back road to Yeppoon.
To mitigate this, the road included a roundabout to slow down traffic and has traffic islands.
Divisional councillor Shane Latcham said connecting River Rose Drive had always been part of council’s traffic network plan and demonstrated the growth in the area.
“The new road features a shared pedestrian and cycle path, street lighting, landscaping, and drainage improvements,” he said.
“Stringybark Avenue has also been connected at the new roundabout as part of the upgrade.”
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