Major upgrades announced as first election commitment

A congestion-busting road upgrade is the first election commitment announced for Ashgrove residents by local member Campbell Newman ahead of next year’s State Election.

The major project would see Waterworks Road between Trout Street and Betheden Terrace widened, as well as a section of Stewart Road, to cut traffic jams at peak hours.

The work would be funded jointly by Brisbane City Council and a re-elected Newman LNP Government.

Mr Newman said more than 700 locals had contacted his office about congestion in the area.

“I’ve taken on residents’ feedback and worked hard with Councillor Geraldine Knapp, Deputy-Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Lord Mayor Graham Quirk to make this project possible,” Mr Newman said.

“I’m pleased to be able to announce this plan after two years of discussions and negotiations with Brisbane City Council. This announcement is a real win for the Ashgrove electorate.

“This upgrade will ensure Ashgrove mums and dad spend less time stuck in traffic and more time with their families – and it will boost trade for local businesses too.”

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the $7.5m project would help to keep Waterworks Road moving during peak traffic times.

“This project will target one of the busiest stretches of Waterworks Road as well as a section of adjoining Stewart Road, creating an extra inbound and outbound lane to improve capacity to meet traffic demands,” Cr Quirk said.

“Two major intersections at Waterworks Road and Stewart Road and Waterworks Road and Ashgrove Avenue will be upgraded to improve traffic flow, pedestrian and public transport access.”

Cr Quirk said the initial concept design for the project was currently underway and survey work for the detailed design was expected to begin early in the New Year.

“Following detailed designs, we will look to commence construction in early 2016,” he said.

“This is a good project that is only possible at this time due to the Premier’s offer to fund 50 per cent of the project costs,” he said.

 Works will include:

• Widening sections of Waterworks Road between Trout Street and Ashgrove Avenue to:

o   provide two through traffic lanes and a parking lane (on the inbound side of the road)

o   a left turn pocket into Ashgrove Avenue

• Widening the section of Stewart Road between Waterworks Road and Stewart Place to improve traffic flow by providing an additional right turn lane into Waterworks Road
• Increasing traffic lane widths to improve safety
• Relocating the inbound bus stop and combining the outbound bus stops in the project area to reduce the impact on traffic flow and improve efficiency
• Beautification of the Ashgrove Central precinct to help create a village feel
• Improving pedestrian movements across Waterworks Road

Owner of the Golden King Bakery Kim Pham said part of its business initiative as an “on the street” bakery was to entice people in from the street. However, if they customers can’t park they just keep driving, especially on Saturday mornings.

“Since the clearway started in 2011 we’ve lost a lot of customers, we have less than half of our normal previous trade or sometimes worse,” Ms Phan said.

“We thank Campbell Newman for announcing he will be fixing the road by allowing the one lane of parking, this will support small businesses in Ashgrove and enable us to continue to serve the Ashgrove community.”

Ashgrove resident and P&F President of St Finbarr’s Catholic Primary School David Vidler said an upgrade of infrastructure that optimises traffic flow and benefits small business would be well received.

“Added safety infrastructure would provide added peace of mind to families and would be very much appreciated, especially from families at St Finbarr’s,” Mr Vidler said.

“Hopefully the students at St Finbarr’s may have the opportunity to value add toward the beatification of the upgrade.”

Through delivering better infrastructure and roads for the local community, the Newman LNP Government is supporting locals and supporting local businesses.

For more information about the upgrade project, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or phone Council on (07) 3403 8888.

[Ends] DECEMBER 12, 2014

Media Contacts: Ashgrove Electorate Office, Elise Bentley – 3366 6000

Lord Mayor’s Office, Amanda Templeton – 3403 8888