Residents call for Rothwell roundabout fix before Moreton Bay Rail Link is opened

A PETITION will be put to the State Government asking for an urgent upgrade to a major intersection before the Moreton Bay Rail Link opens.

A group of local residents are campaigning for the Rothwell roundabout to be upgraded bef

A PETITION will be put to the State Government, asking for an urgent upgrade to the Rothwell roundabout in line with the Moreton Bay Rail Link completion date.

The petition, launched last month by Hays Inlet Action Group (HIAG), has already attracted more than 2000 signatures and asks for the roundabout to be “replaced” with a three-way signalled intersection.

Bob Giddens, a member of HIAG, said he understood the plan was to upgrade the roundabout by 2026.

But the petition is to bring forward the upgrade, with added pressure expected from the rail link.

A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesman said access to train stations from the existing road network was ­considered in the design of the rail link.

“We are undertaking a preliminary design for the upgrade of the Rothwell roundabout to provide a long-term solution to cater for increased traffic,” the spokesman said.

“The business case, which will include estimated costs, is expected to be completed later this year.”

State Member for Murrumba Reg Gulley told the Herald he supported the petition and the action group.

“I am actively lobbying the Minister for Transport and Main Roads for this upgrade and I will continue to work tirelessly to deliver this vital piece of infrastructure,” he told Parliament late last month.

Rothwell resident Bianca Schefe said whichever option was used to access the Rothwell rail station – Gynther Rd or west of Finnegan St – it would affect the roundabout. “Rothwell roundabout really needs fixing regardless of what option goes ahead,” she said.