Calls to fix bottleneck – for good

One battle with traffic congestion on Anzac Ave is being won at Kippa-Ring, but there are fears the bottleneck will move a short distance down one of Moreton Bay Region’s busiest arterial roads.

Work is set to start in January on making a stretch of Anzac Ave, between Nathan Rd and Klingner Rd, three lanes each way under an agreement with Newport developer Stockland.

But, there is already concern the upgrade will only move congestion a short distance to the Boardman Rd/Snook St intersection, which will still be two lanes each way.

Red spot warning

RACQ Head of Public Policy Rebecca Michael said the Klingner Rd intersection was nominated by motorists “multiple times” in the 2020 Red Spot Congestion Survey.

“There were similar responses for the Anzac Ave/Boardman Rd intersection. Both are congested locations,” she says.

“A developer is paying for the upgrade to the section between Nathan Rd and Klingner Rd, with the section south (to Snook St) having no funding available for upgrade at this time.

“Planning and construction of additional lanes and intersection improvements south to Boardman Rd would ease congestion but will have to compete for funding against other necessary projects in the region.”

Welcome move

Councillor Sandra Ruck said the additional lane along Anzac Ave would be welcomed. “Anzac Avenue is the backbone of the Peninsula and quickly becomes congested at peak times,” she says.

“The peninsula is a booming area and we need to have the infrastructure in place to cater for expected population growth, to ensure the local commute is as efficient as possible and getting around our region is a pleasure for visitors.”

Keeping count

However, a spokesperson for Transport and Main Roads says: “Further investigations, including traffic modelling and intersection traffic counts, would be required to determine the current and future capacity requirements on Anzac Ave from east of Klingner Rd to Redcliffe.

“We will continue to monitor traffic flow on Anzac Avenue as part of routine operations and make changes to traffic signal coordination as required for optimal safety and efficiency.”

No more lights

Dolphins News readers have voiced their concerns about the planned changes and increasing volume of traffic.

Val Smith says: “Widening the road will not make any difference with the amount of lights going in that will still slow the traffic down.

“Why is there need for a set of lights at Regency St when they can use Hercules Rd and Chelsea St lights to get to the childminding centre?”

Rat running

Jenny Osborne adds: “Since the Newport development opened, traffic has been substantial along Nathan Rd and Morris Rd, where drivers are rat running to avoid Anzac Ave.

“I wrote to Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC) asking for Morris Rd to be a Local Traffic Only street.”

Some readers suggested major new roads linking up with North Lakes and Mango Hill.

Matthew Yates says on the Moreton Daily Facebook page: “Build McDonald and Duffield roads through to North Lakes, it will eliminate 80 per cent of traffic on Anzac Ave, Klingner Rd and Boardman Rd.”

Swamp solution

Sherri Hallam agrees: “I've been saying this for the last 16 years since I moved here, (but) everyone tells me you can't as it’s a swamp area.”

Kristine Hoven Parsons says: “Considering they just built the latest Newport development and footy fields on swamp land, I’d imagine it to be completely possible.”

However, RACQ’s Rebecca Michael could not raise local hopes. “We’re not aware of any planning for alternative corridors from Mango Hill to Clontarf,” she says.

“There isn’t anything showing on the MBRC Planning Scheme Maps in that area and haven’t seen anything in TMR Qtrip.”

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