Labor promises $1.7 million planning study for South Pine Rd, Alderley

Labor’s mayoral candidate Pat Condren has promised a $1.7 million study into traffic issues at a major north side level crossing, but left it off the list of crossings he would fix in his first term.

The level crossing on South Pine Rd, Alderley. Source: Google Maps

Labor will spend $1.7 million planning study for South Pine Rd, Alderley, if it takes control of Brisbane City Council on March 28.

But the South Pine Rd level crossing was not among the five level crossings Labor’s Lord Mayoral candidate Pat Condren has promised to fix if elected.

He said a Labor council would spend $410 million to “fix” level crossings at Beams Rd, Carseldine, Boundary Rd, Coopers Plains, and Kianawah Rd/Lindum Rd, Hemmant, in its first four years.

$1 for 28 days: Full digital subscription

It also committed to having construction under way on Warrigal Rd, Runcorn, and Cavendish Rd, Coorparoo, by 2024.

Labor’s candidate for Enoggera Jonty Bush said Labor would work with the community to find the best ways to improve level crossings.

“Anyone who has encountered this particular crossing (Alderley) knows just how dangerous it can be,” she said.

“I’ve stood there and spoken with locals, I’ve heard first-hand the conflict between trains, drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

“Traffic data shows that these level crossings can add up to half an hour to your daily commute.”

She did not know why the South Pine Rd crossing was not included in Labor’s level crossing program but said: “We are committed to having all five priority upgrades as identified by RACQ complete or underway in the first term of a Condren Labor council.”

Last month the RACQ listed the South Pine Rd crossing as its second top level crossing priority and its 2018-19 pre-budget submission to Queensland Treasury listed it as one of five crossing priorities in Brisbane.

Brisbane North’s top high schools for OP results in 2019

LNP denies Brisbane north side toll road planned

Call for more parking at aqua park

Council urged to buy land to link wildlife habitats

Her LNP opponent, Councillor Andrew Wines, has not responded to an invitation to comment.

RACQ head of public policy Rebecca Michael said level crossings were “real choke points” across the city.

“Road improvements around level crossings will go some way to easing congestion, however a long-term program of level crossing removal is required to future proof our network,” she said.

“We welcome the $410 million commitment towards upgrading key level crossings, as it will see locals spend less time in traffic and get them where they need to be a whole lot quicker.”