Major upgrade for busy Maryborough road
Traffic lights will be installed at one of Maryborough’s busiest intersections and the road in front of the Maryborough Hospital will get a major upgrade as part of a $1.5 million Fraser Coast Regional Council project starting today (Monday 7 September).
Councillor Paul Truscott said the road reconstruction of Walker Street from Neptune Street to Yaralla Street, a new footpath and the installation of traffic lights at the Walker and Neptune Streets intersection would greatly improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.
“This is a major project that will deliver significant benefits for the people of Maryborough and I’m pleased it has been identified as a priority project for Council this year,” he said.
“The new traffic lights will make it safer for motorists travelling along Neptune Street from the south to the north where visibility is an issue.
“There will also be safety improvements for pedestrians. A new 210 metre footpath will be built and the existing mid-block pedestrian crossing near the Maryborough Hospital will be removed to encourage pedestrians to cross safely at the new traffic lights instead.
“While the traffic management plans are still being finalised, it is proposed the traffic in Walker Street will be able to flow in a two way direction along one lane under traffic control.
“To limit congestion at the intersections of Walker and Neptune Streets along with Walker and Yaralla Streets, traffic in Neptune Street and Yaralla Street will be detoured at various times.
“The works are being undertaken by local company SGQ and will take almost six months to complete, weather permitting.
“We acknowledge this project will cause disruption and we thank everyone in advance for their patience. There will be some short term pain but it will be a long term gain.”
The Walker Street road reconstruction will include pavement improvements, asphalt surfacing, stormwater drainage, line-marking, lighting, footpaths and a bus stop.
Ten new Water Sensitive Urban Design street trees will be included on the southern side of Walker Street.
The project will be done in stages with works starting on the southern side of Walker Street from Neptune Street to about half way along the Walker Street construction site.