Locals plead for road upgrades on Dunlin Drive and Burleigh St in Burleigh

Burleigh Waters residents say they no longer feel safe reversing from their own driveways as neighbourhood streets have become “dangerous rat runs for drivers avoiding construction chaos”.

Locals plead for road upgrades on Dunlin Drive and Burleigh St in Burleigh. Picture Glenn Hampson

Burleigh Waters residents are pleading for dire road upgrades as neighbourhood streets have become “dangerous rat runs for drivers avoiding construction chaos”.

Since Light Rail Stage 3 construction infiltrated Burleigh, motorists, e-bikes and pedestrians have found different routes to avoid the mayhem through its main streets.

Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster and local councillor Nick Marshall claimed they have received multiple complaints stating residents “no longer feel safe crossing the street or leaving their driveways”.

“Locals are asking for a plan to deter non-local traffic from the neighbourhood and to invest in upgrades to reduce the risk of accidents,” Mr Vorster said.

“Right now too many tell me they no longer feel safe crossing the street and reversing out of their own driveways.”

Mr Vorster said Dunlin Drive and Burleigh St were the two worst streets for rat running.

“These roads were built to give locals access to schools and parks but have now become racetracks,” he said.

Burleigh Waters residents are pleading for dire road upgrades as neighbourhood streets have become ’dangerous rat runs for drivers avoiding construction chaos’. Picture Glenn Hampson

“We all accept the population will continue to grow but locals want to know there is a plan in place to boost safety and restore calm in their neighbourhoods.

“Because this is where they’re raising their young children, walking their dogs, and doing their best to stay active and healthy on their bicycles.”

Mr Vorster said he was launching a campaign and petition for council to “make it a priority” to upgrade the road networks.

“This will look at new signs, lines, path upgrades, intersection works and pavement treatments to restore safety and calm in our neighbourhood streets.”

Mr Marshall said he had already tabled a petition to audit the roads used by children getting to and from Caningeraba State School.

“One of the hardest parts to overcome at the moment is the large volume of traffic that is now coming through the local Burleigh Waters streets to avoid the congestion on the Gold Coast Highway caused by the light rail build,” he said.

“This has also made it tough to see significant changes because it is difficult to shut local suburban streets while we already have one of our main streets restricted.”

Mr Marshall said he was also aware of the “desperate need” for more footpaths and pedestrian crossings in Burleigh Waters, in particular Burleigh St and Dunlin Drive.

One of the worst roads are Dunlin Drive. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Some of these changes are planned and envisaged as a part of the improved active transport network but like everything in Division 12 they have become somewhat dependant on the completion of the light rail before any further building can commence,” he said.

“Herman has had a number of discussions with me about this and I am well aware of the petition so I am hopeful that we can work with the residents for a safer outcome.”

Mr Vorster urged concerned residents to sign the petition at Treetops Shopping Centre between 9am and 10am on December 12.

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Originally published as Locals plead for road upgrades on Dunlin Drive and Burleigh St in Burleigh