Gold Coast Council committee votes against building clearways on city’s congested roads

PLANS to put clearways on some of the Gold Coast’s most congested streets have been put on ice, with city leaders voting against them.

The city’s roads are congested but council has voted against introducing clearways ... for now. Picture by Scott Fletcher

PLANS to put clearways on some of the Gold Coast’s most congested streets have been put on ice, with city leaders voting against their installation.

The council’s city infrastructure committee this morning voted against implementing clearways on local roads because of a lack of suitable sites.

A report which went before councillors confirmed city hall had the authority to create them but the committee voted unanimously in favour of taking no action.

“At this stage there is a lack of suitable sites identified for the introduction of clearways on council-controlled roads,” the report said.

Congested traffic around Southport-Main Beach. Sundale Bridge and Gold Coast Highway.

“However, other engineering measures such as kerb realignments to remove pinch points may help to achieve local traffic efficiencies.

“As an alternative to clearways, extended sections of no stopping restrictions can be effective in proving additional traffic lanes by removing kerbside parking, particularly on shorter sections of road where there may be queuing issues at intersections.

“It is considered the use of “no stopping’ restrictions is adequate to manage the current traffic issues on city controlled roads.”

Clearways were first proposed last year as a solution to the city’s traffic woes and are “strategically important” stretches of road which are kept open for traffic and can operate either 24/7 or during peak periods so that parking is available for use at other times.

Currently there are no clearways in use on the Gold Coast, with the council instead favouring no stopping zones.

Among the locations named as possible clearway locations are regularly congested spots including Southport’s Queen Street, North St between Marine Parade and Ferry Road and Marine Parade between Sundale and North St.

Councillor Cameron Caldwell has backed the need for clearways to improve traffic flow. Photo: Jerad Williams

City planning boss Cr Cameron Caldwell backed the creation of clearways and said he would push for their creation in strategic locations.

“Council has the ability to create these but the committee was open to the idea of trialling it on a smaller scale at some time in the future to see if it is has any viability,” he said.

“These are an important part of the tool kit for congestion busting and ensuring we manage traffic as best as we can.

“Howe we move around the city is such an important thing and improving this is a priority.”

The committee decision will go before full council later this month.