Pave the way for Palmwoods: State Government confirms investigations into further road safety solutions underway

A campaign to improve road safety has already reached one major milestone after the government agreed to reduce the speed limit. Find out what’s next for Palmwoods

Permanent pedestrian crossings could be introduced into a Sunshine Coast hinterland town following a community campaign to improve road safety.

A Transport Department spokeswoman said the government would prepare designs for pedestrian crossing improvements in Palmwoods.

It comes after the department lowered the speed limit last month along Margaret Street to 40km/h.

“We are working to prepare concept designs and estimated costs for pedestrian crossing improvements within the Palmwoods town centre in line with Sunshine Coast Council‘s endorsed Place Making Palmwoods master plan,” the spokeswoman said.

“Community consultation will be undertaken in coming months to seek feedback on these improvements.”

Palmwoods rail bridge intersection at Woombye Palmwoods Road. Picture: Patrick Woods.

 A Sunshine Coast Council spokeswoman confirmed council representatives had met with the transport department in May to assist with the road network review.

“Council provided the Placemaking Palmwoods Master plan and the detailed spatial survey for Margaret Street, Palmwoods,” the spokeswoman said.

The Sunshine Coast Daily launched the Pave the way for Palmwoods campaign in early-April after the community was left frustrated by a lack of action to address road safety concerns.

Residents and businesses joined forces to have their say on road safety, calling for urgent upgrades to several key intersections and speed mitigation through the main street.

The campaign can cross off reducing the speed limit after the State Government reduced the speed limit along Margaret Street to 40km/h on a 500m section of road, from east of the Chevallum Road intersection to west of the post office.

Residents however have continued to vent their frustration about the rail bridge and the lack of visibility while using Woombye Palmwoods Road, Margaret Street, Jubilee Drive and Chevallum Road intersections.

Shocking footage was recently released of a truck hitting the bridge protection beams at speed after driving past height clearance signage.

There were 13 instances of trucks coming into contact with the Woombye-Palmwoods Road rail bridge at Palmwoods recorded in 2020, including one bridge strike and 12 strikes to the protection beams, according to transport department figures.

The transport department spokeswoman said Queensland Rail owns, inspects and maintains the Palmwoods rail bridge.

“While the low height clearance signs in place on the bridge approaches meet the required standards, TMR is undertaking a review to consider additional warning signs,” she said.

 “We urge all motorists to observe the signs in place and to always drive to conditions.”