Queensland State Government announces funding to upgrade Rothwell roundabout

RELIEF may be in sight for Brisbane motorists with work set to start on upgrading a troublesome intersection.

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THE State Government will today announce $22.6 million in funding for an upgrade of the Rothwell roundabout.

The complicated intersection has long been a trouble-spot for motorists with residents, the Redcliffe & Bayside Herald and North Lakes Times calling for action with a series of campaigns since 2011.

Many feared the opening of the new Moreton Bay Rail Link, which is due to open mid year, would cripple the junction.

Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey, State ALP Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath and State ALP Member for Murrumba Chris Whiting are expected to visit the site today to announce the funding.

It follows a commitment of $11.7 from the Federal Government and $3.2 million from Moreton Bay Regional Council. The project is expected to cost $37.5 million in total.

Mr Bailey said: “Last weekend I was here on-site talking to a delegation of 18 locals who told me how much this upgraded is needed. On Monday, I met with a further delegation, including the local Members for Murrumba and Redcliffe. Today, I’m pleased to announce we will invest $22.6 million, almost two thirds of the funding for this vital project”.

“We have listened to the community and now we have a funded solution, which will cater for the more than 35,000 vehicles which use the intersection each day.”

Mr Bailey said work was expected to start “as soon as the end of this year”.

“Installing traffic lights will provide the safest solution to address the increased traffic expected once the additional Rothwell Station access at Gynther Road opens to the public,” he said.

“Currently, there are no provisions for cyclists and pedestrians crossing the roundabout and this

upgrade will improve active transport options, which are also expected to increase when the rail

opens.”

State ALP Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath said the upgrade had been a long time coming.

“A commitment by the Palaszczuk Government to fund this shortfall makes us by far the largest

contributor to the project, and means we can get construction underway as soon as possible,” Ms D’Ath said.

“The upgrade is currently in the detailed design phase and nearing finalisation after consultation with the community earlier this month. Construction is expected to start by late 2016 and will take about 12 months to complete.”

State ALP Member for Murrumba Chris Whiting said the Moreton Bay Rail Link’s nearby location meant traffic volumes would increase as commuters navigated the intersection to access the new Rothwell station.

“This upgrade will ensure the network can cope with increasing volumes and the integrated road

and rail infrastructure will provide the best and safest outcomes for the community,” Mr Whiting said.

“I’ve contacted over 15,000 residents about the Rothwell Roundabout upgrade, I’m pleased to be

able to tell them today that the Palaszczuk Government is getting on with the job and delivering for our community.”