Work starts on major road duplication

Work has started on stage one of the Wellington Street / Panorama Drive road duplication from Thornlands to Cleveland.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the upgrade would bring many benefits, including improved traffic flow, improved environmental outcomes, and reduced vehicle operating costs for motorists.

“Thousands of Redlands Coast motorists and other road users will benefit from this road upgrade, and it is encouraging to see the collaborative support from all levels of government to get the project started,” Cr Williams said.

“The improvements here will make a difference to people’s daily lives, with a shorter journey to work for many, improved safety, and a decrease in peak-hour congestion that will see an associated environmental benefit.

“Quicker journeys and less time sitting in congested traffic will, I’m sure, be welcomed by many.”

Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle said pre-construction site works had been underway since early 2022, paving the way for the main body of work to get started.

“The benefits from this important project have already commenced, with jobs and local businesses involved in the work to prepare the route,” Cr Golle said.

“All up, around 140 jobs will be created by this project, a welcome boost for the local community in these challenging economic times.”

Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie said improved safety was a key driver of the project.

“Improving road safety has been key to the planning of this project and with support from all levels of government this improved roadway will help ensure a safer environment for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, now and into the future,” Cr McKenzie said.

“We’ve been advised the road will remain open throughout works with limited disruption, ensuring minimal impacts will be experienced by road users and neighbours.”

From 6 February 2023, road users will see variable messaging signage, noise monitoring equipment, surveying and service investigations along the route before main construction work commences in several weeks’ time.

To help ensure the safety of other road users and the team building the new road, motorists are urged to drive to conditions and observe any traffic directions.

Council has contracted Brisbane-based Georgiou Group Pty Ltd to deliver stage one, which is expected to be completed mid-2024.

This stage will see road duplication along Panorama Drive from Boundary Road to the Wellington Street intersection and on Wellington Street from the Panorama Drive intersection as far as South Street, Thornlands.

The intersections at Ziegenfusz Road/Panorama Drive and Panorama Drive/Wellington Street will also be upgraded.

The total project costs for stage one are approximately $57.4 million, which includes about $42 million from Redland City Council, $15 million from the Australian Government through the Infrastructure Investment Program and $465,000 from the Queensland Government through the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.

Information on the project is available on Council’s Your Say website.