Significant improvements at the intersection of Avoca Street, Walker Street and Penny Street in Millbank will soon take place to boost road safety in the area.
The upgrade comes after four significant crashes, including three hospitalisations, were reported during 2017 to 2021 at the Avoca Street, Walker Street and Penny Street intersection.
Bundaberg Regional Council’s Roads and Infrastructure portfolio spokesperson Cr Larine Statham-Blair said the work was part of the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, which targeted dangerous road locations where crashes are occurring or are at risk of occurring.
Cr Statham-Blair said the need to upgrade the intersection came after a thorough road safety assessment was conducted by experts.
“The assessment highlighted the intersection’s poor safety performance and explored multiple solutions to mitigate risks,” she said.
“One of the key options proposed is the conversion of Penny Street’s access to Avoca Street into a left-out only lane.
“This will effectively eliminate the crossing movements of cars across Avoca Street, which has been identified as the primary cause of severe crashes at this intersection.
“The upgrade also includes a right-turn lane on Avoca Street to facilitate safer right turns into Walker Street.
“These proposed upgrades aim to create a safer intersection for all road users.”
Cr Statham-Blair said the safety improvements would help to reduce intersection crashes, while increasing pedestrian and cyclist safety.
The upgrade of Avoca Street, Walker Street and Penny Street is set to take place during the 2024-25 financial year.
The Australian Government has committed $467,000 in Black Spot funding to the project.
Common question and answers
How was the upgrade determined?
Bundaberg Regional Council monitors the road network on a regular basis and identifies the high-risk locations and priority areas for infrastructure improvement.
How will the community benefit from the upgrade?
The proposed upgrade aims to create a safer intersection for all road users.
By reducing the number of different vehicle movements and adding a designated right-turn lane, the upgrade will make the intersection safer and more convenient for drivers.
The raised priority crossing and improved connections along the Avoca Street shared path will enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists, providing them with a safer, friendlier and more accessible route.
Additionally, restricting access to Penny Street will create a calmer, quieter, and safer environment for local residents along Penny Street, fostering a stronger sense of community and place.
What interruptions will happen while the work is underway?
The direct vehicle access from Walker Street and Penny Street to Avoca Street will be closed during the construction.
Avoca Street will remain open to general traffic with traffic control in place as required.
So when are we going to get some improvements in Svensson Heights? My street is not sealed gutter to gutter and has trucks, empty buses, and many motorcycles roaring through. Guess this s impossible to expect but miracles do happen.
What a complete waste of money. 3 hospitalisations over 3 years doesn’t make sense. There are other intersections more deserving. How much is BRC having to add to that half a million? Who determines where is deserving and where isn’t? Where is the database listing all hospitalisations and numbers of traffic incidents for Bundaberg? How do I access this database?
Hi David, you can find out more about how the Black Spot program works here: https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/black-spot-program