Every pedestrian crossing at a busy Bundaberg city intersection will undergo safety upgrades to increase accessibility.
The Maryborough and George Streets intersection has a high level of vehicle and pedestrian activity, providing access to Hinkler Shopping Centre and a number of nearby businesses.
The upgrade will improve access by reducing the slope of pedestrian ramps, adding tactile surfaces and ensuring traffic light crossing buttons are placed at an accessible height.
Work is set to begin on 23 October and will take approximately six weeks to complete, pending weather and any unforeseen circumstances.
To allow Maryborough Street to remain open during this accessibility upgrade, the works will necessitate a series of changed traffic conditions as focus moves to each pedestrian entry point in the intersection.
George Street, between Maryborough Street and McLean Street, will temporarily be closed in conjunction with staged works.
Pedestrian access will be restricted, particularly along Maryborough Street with walkers set to be detoured towards Electra Street.
Bundaberg Regional Council Roads and Drainage portfolio spokesperson Cr Bill Trevor said motorists and pedestrians were encouraged to avoid the intersection wherever possible during the works.
“These works will be undertaken over a period of about six weeks and, due to how the works have been staged to limit inconvenience, the traffic conditions will be continuously changing,” Cr Trevor said.
“Our contractor will focus on one entry point at a time, with traffic controls in place, and upon completion will move to the next entry point, necessitating another change in traffic conditions.
“To ensure these works take place in the safest possible manner for workers and for motorists, we appreciate the support and understanding of residents in detouring around these works wherever possible and being mindful of the changing conditions when they cannot be avoided.”
Cr Trevor said Council was committed to improving accessibility throughout the region.
“We have undertaken a number of similar accessibility improvements in recent times and have received fantastic feedback from community members,” he said.
“We’ve listened to the feedback we’re getting from the community and remain committed to addressing accessibility concerns, so it is great to see work progressing on this very busy intersection.”
well Bill, i would be more familiar with George Street than you ever will be. an old narrow gutted bridge over the creek, designed to suite horse and dray days. perhaps that could do with an upgrade, a high bridge to enter a modern era. be more productive than other squandered deals.
That’s great, but what about footpaths in countess other areas such Twiford St, Avoca? We have to drive our motorised wheelchairs on the road, which is very dangerous!