“Secret” Study documents reveal Kenmore Bypass Alternative - Major Moggill Road Redevelopment through Kenmore and Chapel Hill
Tuesday, 27 May 2008 10:00
I have finally obtained the GHD study of the Kenmore Bypass under Freedom of Information laws.
The study shows that two options were considered for dealing with the traffic bottleneck through central Kenmore.
The study compared major road upgrades through central Kenmore with the advantages and disadvantages of building a bypass of Kenmore on the existing road reserve between Moggill Road and the Western Freeway. The study concluded the Kenmore Bypass would be the better option.
Click Here to view a map showing properties affected by the bypass alternative.
The proposal to do a major road redevelopment at Kenmore to deal with the ever increasing volume of through traffic along Moggill Road is sobering indeed and referred to in the study as being an “unenviable” task.
This is important information for our community which I believe should have been public knowledge and has only come to light because of documents I have obtained under Freedom of Information.
The study found that to upgrade Moggill Road through Kenmore and Chapel Hill would require some $45 million worth of property resumptions including numerous homes and much of the commercial property through central Kenmore and part of the Kenmore State School.
The study found that it would be a more expensive option but more particularly that its impact on the community would be far greater than building a bypass road. As a result the Bypass was the preferred option put out for community consultation.
A decision to resume large quantities of property and do major roadworks through central Kenmore and Chapel Hill would subject local residents to years of disruptive major roadworks as these constructions are done under traffic flow.
Given the confined road space in Kenmore, detours may be needed and traffic disruption would be severe and prolonged
Even when completed the end result would be that central Kenmore and Chapel Hill would in effect be a “highway” and would have little amenity for local residents.
The traffic flowing through the redeveloped road would still be stopped at over a dozen sets of lights and many of the streets currently used by motorists for access in and around Kenmore would have their access curtailed.
Years ago there was a similar debate in Nundah with ever increasing volumes of traffic flowing through along Sandgate Road.
The option was chosen to bypass Nundah with a tunnel. This allowed central Nundah to become more of a village. Its amenity for residents was greatly enhanced.
Whilst numerous proposals in relation to local traffic are discussed, some proposals have been examined and found not to be workable. The only proposals under serious consideration are the bypass of Kenmore or a major upgrade of Moggill Road to try and get traffic through Kenmore and Chapel Hill.
Some residents are being misled that the alternative is a bridge at Bellbowrie. The alternative is in fact major dislocation in central Kenmore to widen Moggill Road.
It is clear that whatever decision is made (doing absolutely nothing is not an option) some people will be unhappy with the outcome.
I know that this is a long and difficult process but it is important that we try to get the best outcome for the long term future of the local area.
I do not believe taking amenity away from Kenmore and Chapel Hill with years of disruptive roadworks would be in the best interest of anyone who lives in the western suburbs.
And on the positive side of the coin there could be a significant opportunity to create much more of a village atmosphere if through traffic were to use a different route.