Palmwoods
District News

October
1998

Page 7

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Editor,

The recent visit to Nambour by the newly elected state government cabinet ministers appears to be a step in the right direction regarding public consultation on matters of local interest. Locals were given the rare opportunity of being able to discuss matters of concern to them first hand with the appropriate minister.

A matter that is of concern to residents in the Palmwoods and Kiel Mountain Road area was the recent decision to install an overpass at the Nambour connection/Kiel Mountain Road intersection in lieu of lights which had been sought for the area for several years. This matter was discussed with the minister for main roads who visited the site and had discussions on site with some of those concerned.

It was explained to the minister that whilst the overpass would address the problem at the intersection concerned it did nothing to alleviate the situation at Blackall Street. It could possible make it worse and traffic past the two schools in the region would logically be increased. The estimated cost of the proposal is in the vicinity of $8million, probably around five times the cost of traffic lights.

Additionally the traffic lights would create gaps in the traffic flow thereby allowing traffic entering or leaving Woombye improved access and egress. I subsequently checked with an engineering firm regarding the cost of a footbridge across the connection road in case it was considered necessary for use by children attending the nearby schools and was informed that a figure of 3000 would easily accommodate the bridge including all associated contingencies.

I remain unconvinced that the overpass is the best and safest option I still favour the traffic lights along with signs that warn motorists that they are approaching them and also a reduced speed limit. The overpass option fails to address the whole situation and additional money may well have to be spent to correct problems that are created by it.

A complete fully costed design plan for the area from Kiel Mountain Road to McKenzie Road prior to installation of an overpass would at least highlight future potential problems. It has been a long wait for action so it is vital to get it right as any additional waiting period could be forever. I await with interest the decision of the minister and to see the effectiveness of consultation.

P.J. Keogh

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