Outrage over new 770m school zone on Old Northern Rd, Albany Creek

Residents have expressed anger over a new 770m-long school zone that will be installed over an already-congested stretch of road in Brisbane’s north.

Brisbane residents have expressed anger over a new 770m-long school zone that will be installed over an already-congested stretch of road in a northern suburb and add to the peak hour traffic chaos.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has commenced the installation of the 40km/h school zone speed limit on Old Northern Road outside Albany Hills State School and Albany Creek State High School at Albany Creek.

The installation of the new school zone comes following a review undertaken by TMR evaluating the suitability of a 40km/h school zone along the stretch of road, extending from north of the Jinker Track intersection through to south of the Folkstone Ave intersection.

Peak hour traffic near Albany Creek State High School on Old Northern Rd, Albany Creek.

In a work notification statement, the Department of Transport and Main Roads advised that a continuous school zone will be put in place “due to the short separation between the two schools”.

“This change will improve safety for students and the general community travelling to and from these schools,” the statement read.

“The 40km/h school zone will include active flashing lights and operate from 7am to 9am and 2pm to 4pm on school days.

“We encourage motorists to observe the school zone signs when they are installed.”

Traffic build up near Albany Hills State School on Old Northern Rd, Albany Creek.

The decision has attracted a strong reaction, with some locals questioning the need for a school zone, due to barriers on the side of Old Northern Rd, heading towards Brisbane, blocking students from crossing the road, while traffic lights with crossings are already in place near both schools.

Albany Creek residents Pete and Ann G have lived in the area for 28 years and have seen traffic congestion increase significantly over that period.

Albany Creek residents Ann and Pete G believe the new school zone on Old Northern Rd will create more congestion.

Mrs G believes that the school zone will add to the traffic problems.

“It has got so busy here over the years, the road already has so many cars lined up here in the mornings,” Mrs G said.

“People are going to get angry because they can’t get to work on time.

“I can’t see what they’re going to achieve.”

Peak hour traffic on Old Northern Rd, Albany Creek.

While recognising the importance of keeping children safe, Mr G said the new school zone will create more congestion during peak hour travel.

“I think it is fairly going to make a bit of a mess of the peak hour traffic, especially in the mornings,” Mr G said.

“It is definitely going to slow the peak hour down.”

Fellow locals also expressed their dismay at the to-be installed school zone online.

“What a f***ing joke,” Kyle Beckley commented.

“So who do we gotta talk to cancel this s**t,” Chase Huang commented.

“Considering kids cross at the lights and can’t cross Old Northern Rd anyway due to barriers, walls and fences there is no need for a 40 zone,” another person commented.

The installation of the school zone commenced on Sunday, April 14 with works scheduled to take place between 7pm to 5am until April 26, 2024, excluding Anzac Day.

The works will take approximately seven nights to complete, weather, and scheduling permitting.

In a statement, a Department of Transport and Main Roads spokeswoman advised that the review completed by the department highlighted the need for the school zone.

“We reviewed the section of Old Northern Road outside Albany Hills State School and Albany Creek State High School and the review recommended installing a school zone at this location,” the spokeswoman said.

“The review was prompted by community requests and a change to TMR’s school zone policy.

“While we understand congestion is a concern for the community, the school zone will have minimal impact on travel times.

“Safety is our highest priority.”