Miami Rd extension in Trinity Beach could be delivered up to three months early, councillor says
The completion date for work on a new divisive connector road at the northern beaches has shifted as fresh concerns emerge about what could happen once it opens. Read more.
Cairns
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The Trinity to Kewarra Beach connector road at the centre of heated debate has progressed despite healthy protest from nearby locals, and could be open to traffic as soon as March 2023.
The project extends Miami Rd to connect Poolwood Rd and Trinity Beach Rd and could be trafficked by more than 2000 vehicles per day, according to Cairns Regional Council estimates.
Cairns Division 9 councillor Brett Olds confirmed works were ahead of schedule and on track, short of a massive weather interruption, for completion before the beginning of the second school term next year.
“I don’t like saying too much in case something else happens and everything goes backwards … it’s not due to open until June, but we might be finished two to three months early,” Cr Olds said.
The optimistic timeline update factors for the usual wet season interruptions, Cr Olds said.
“Even with that, they’re saying the end of March, which is exciting.”
Despite concerns of irate residents whose boundary fences will be kissed by the new road, Cr Olds said the general sentiment of the community, of which he is also a resident, had been positive.
“The majority are really excited about it,” he said.
“Those living next to it … they’ve been against it and still are.
“I get it, no-one wants something happening right next door to you. It’s human nature.
“No project is ever as bad as you think it’s going to be, even when you’re totally against it.
“There was no traffic during school holidays, but on Tuesday morning, when school went back, Poolwood Road was backed up to TAS by people trying to get out to the highway. There’s a pinch-point there and we need that pressure release.
“Anyone that buys a house … they really should look into the (local government’s infrastructure plan) and see what’s planned … those decisions before you buy a house are good to look at.”
A fresh concern by one Trinity Beach resident has emerged.
Deb Thompson has lived in the area for four years and has noticed an increase in local traffic but also an increase in nocturnal delinquents drag racing their cars on Trinity Beach Rd and the Captain Cook Hwy.
She fears the new road, which is planned to be fairly straight, will look like a juicy new racing strip in the eyes of the Peter Brock wannabes.
“You can hear them late at night … they’re now doing it up and down Trinity Beach Road,” she said
“(The new road) is fairly near … I reckon it’ll become a new place to race.
“I feel sorry for the people living right next to it.”
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Originally published as Miami Rd extension in Trinity Beach could be delivered up to three months early, councillor says
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