Intersection of Newnham and Wecker roads, Mt Gravatt East fifth worst in Queensland
MOTORISTS are begging all tiers of government to fix a Mt Gravatt East intersection ranked the fifth- worst for collisions in Queensland.
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MOTORISTS are begging all tiers of government to fix a Mt Gravatt East intersection ranked the fifth- worst for collisions in Queensland.
The intersection of Newnham and Wecker roads, which has a confusing right turn, leaves motorists taking a gamble on traffic.
The RACQ has backed concerns, with crash frequency data revealing seven serious crashes and nine serious casualties at the intersection between 2014 and 2017.
The statistics were part of frequency data obtained from the Department of Transport and Main Roads by RACQ that revealed more than 43 collisions at the worst intersection hot spots resulted in 63 casualties, from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2017.
Mt Gravatt East resident Darryl (last name withheld) said he had witnessed the aftermath of more than 30 crashes in five years, and was often first on the scene.
“I have seen some bad ones. It would be good if the government could fix the intersection.”
He suggested painted arrows up the hill to alert drivers turning right to watch out for oncoming traffic.
Darryl said a dedicated long turning lane, more signs to warn drivers of the extra-wide right turn and signs to stop trucks using excessive compression braking would improve safety.
“Putting in a roundabout might also help,” he said.
RACQ Head of Public Policy Dr Rebecca Michael said: “This particular junction (at Mt Gravatt East) continues to be a crash hot spot with no fully controlled right turn, placing the onus on the motorist to turn right when it is safe to do so.
“Safety improvements such as widening the road for an extra lane and introducing a controlled right turn where drivers can only turn on a green arrow, will go a long way to reducing the number of serious crashes,” Dr Michael said.
Lions Club of Brisbane MacGregor’s Narelle Wyvill-Ansley said she used the intersection regularly and it was a real safety concern.
“We do our Bunnings barbecue fundraising there at the Wecker Rd, Mt Gravatt Bunnings and drive through there,” she said.
“It’s always a nightmare and an accident expected every time you go to that intersection.
“We come along Newnham Rd and turn right to go to Bunnings.
“Turning right is a big problem.
“The school is on one corner and Bunnings on the other — both are popular during the week, and of course extra hectic trying to get in and out of Wecker Rd to Bunnings on weekends.”
Mrs Wyvill-Ansley said she dreaded visiting the area because of safety concerns.
“I’ve been working at our weekend Bunnings barbecues and heard crashes or dings regularly.
“The problem is that it is a short distance to come off Creek Rd, and not a lot of room to judge as cars come around.
“We now have a short turning arrow to go right at Newnham Rd but other times you have to judge,” Mrs Wyvill-Ansley said.
“(I) don’t know what can be done but (it) needs something to be done. Maybe turn it into a five ways. It would be a major disruption to have it fixed.”
A Mt Gravatt East mother-of-two, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Southern Star she had seen two crashes at the intersection.
“It’s ridiculous how fast people go through the intersection,” she said.
“There needs to be something done to fix it.
“It’s quite daunting driving through the intersection.”
Councillor Krista Adams said: “Since first being elected as a local councillor in 2008 I have worked with the community to progress multiple upgrades at this intersection to help residents get home quicker and safer.
“This has included the installation of speed awareness monitors, the installation of a right turn arrow signal, the resurfacing of Newnham Rd to make it smoother and safer, as well as the realignment of the left turn into Wecker Rd to encourage motorists to slow down.
“Unfortunately, many motorists continue to drive erratically and irresponsibly through this intersection and put their lives, and the lives of others, on the line to try and save themselves a few seconds.”
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