Roads update
Monday, 07 September 2009 13:43
Merlin Terrace
The Main Roads Department will shortly close the right turn from Moggill Road into Merlin Terrace and the right turn from Merlin Terrace into Moggill Road at all times of day.Roadworks will commence around mid September and I am advised only minimal traffic disruption is expected.
The works will comprise double lines along Moggill Road and an expanded concrete median at the top of Merlin Terrace.
Accident records show at least five accidents at this intersection including one fatal accident.
Of particular interest was the 24hr traffic counts to this intersection.
Over a 24hr period 255 cars turned left into Merlin Terrace (this will still be allowed) 415 cars turned left out of Merlin Terrace into Moggill Road (this will still be allowed). 180 cars turned right from Moggill Road into Merlin Terrace and this will now be prohibited. Only 37 cars turned right out of Merlin Terrace into Moggill Road this will also be prohibited.
Cars turning right into Merlin Terrace are frequently visiting local businesses in Merlin Terrace and these changes without doubt are going to have a significant negative impact on those business and their customers and are likely to cause more vehicles to use residential streets to access Merlin Terrace.
There is without doubt a safety issue at Merlin Terrace that is reflective of the traffic congestion that dogs central Kenmore.
Birkin Road lights and pedestrian crossing
I am informed that Birkin Road lights and pedestrian crossing are currently with the Minister in a draft version of the Road Implementation Program.
It is due to be released in a month or so. I believe it is very important to have this intersection made safe and in particular have a signalised pedestrian crossing for pedestrians, bus users and local residents many of whom are school children.
Kenmore Park and Ride
The current contract under which the Kenmore Park and Ride is being constructed includes provision for traffic lights at the entry to the park and ride and Margaret Court on the other side of the street. Work on these traffic lights should commence shortly.
Moggill Road Noise Barriers I
I have again raised the lack of landscaping around the noise barriers o the newly widened part of Moggill Road. The landscaping of these barriers was promised to local residents. The State Government in its wisdom because of some cost overruns decided not to proceed with the landscaping. In my view this is a penny pinching decision that is very short sighted. Apart from the obviously unacceptable visual amenity of the sound barriers they have become a blank canvas for graffiti and vandalism. This has the potential to have a negative affect on Kenmore residents and I have strongly raised the issue yet again with the State Government to get them to honour their promise to landscape.