First stage of road duplication officially open

Travellers along Wellington Street and Panorama Drive in Thornlands are experiencing a newly improved commute thanks to a $57.4 million joint investment from Redland City Council, and the Australian and Queensland governments.

Wellington Street and Panorama Drive are key links for travellers and commuters from Thornlands, Redland Bay and Mount Cotton, with substantial growth forecast in the coming years.

Upgrades to this significant stretch of road were unveiled recently, including a 2km stretch having been duplicated from two to four lanes, alongside two intersection upgrades where Panorama Drive intersects with Ziegenfusz Road and Wellington Street.

The works featured a number of additional enhancements including a shared cycling and pedestrian pathway installed from Boundary Road to South Street and a dedicated fauna underpass constructed – providing protection for local native wildlife.

The upgrades were funded by all three levels of government with $15 million from the Australian Government, $41.7 million from Redland City Council and $630,715 from the Queensland Government.

The Wellington Street/Panorama Drive Road Upgrade project is being delivered by Redland City Council. The project is supported by the Australian Government through the Infrastructure Investment Program. The Panorama Drive and Wellington Street, Boundary Road to South Street, construct shared path is proudly supported by the Queensland Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.

Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said Council’s team had worked incredibly effectively with contractors, and community members affected by the project, to deliver an infrastructure upgrade that made a difference to the daily lives of many Redlands residents.

“The project was of significant size for our area and it has been delivered in a relatively quick and painless timeframe,” the Mayor said.

“Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are now enjoying the benefits of a smoother and safer journey on the important north-south link across Redlands Coast.”

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King welcomed the official opening of stage one.

“It’s not every day you can point to a road upgrade that gets travellers home quicker and safer, creates local jobs, encourages active living and protects native wildlife, but that’s exactly what has been achieved here in Thornlands,” the Minister said.

“It’s a testament to what we can achieve when three levels of government are working in unison, delivering for the people of Brisbane’s suburbs.”

Senator for Queensland Murray Watt said the Albanese Government was pleased to have worked with all levels of government to deliver projects such as this that improved local roads, and created a road network future-proofed for population growth.

“With $15 million in support from our Government, it’s great to see it now complete and benefitting commuters in the Redlands,” Senator Watt said.

Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle said: “Safety is Council’s number one priority and it is pleasing to have achieved these additional safety measures, not only for all road users but also for our native wildlife.”

Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie: “The upgrade will particularly support the growing population in the south of the city as this road is a key link for community members travelling from our southern villages.”