New roundabout a winner for Bundaberg

Design details for a new roundabout at the intersection of Bargara and Gahans Roads have been finalised and will begin appearing in local letterboxes this week.

Minister for Transport and Main Road, Paul Lucas, said the project is part of the State Government's commitment to upgrade Bundaberg's busiest intersections.

"We’ve delivered on improvements to Walters Street and Whittred Street, and now we’re moving ahead with Bargara Road, Lievesley Street and Walker Street," Mr Lucas said.

The proposed layout of the Bargara and Gahans Road intersection has been changed as a direct result of consultation with the neighbourhood.

"One of the reasons why Main Roads talks with residents well before road works begin, is to harness local knowledge and come up with best possible result for both neighbours and motorists”

"It will deliver greater road safety and less congestion for those using this section of road," Mr Lucas said.

Design changes have seen the roundabout moved further to the east to reduce the impact on local residents. The upgrade will see Gahans Road and Kingsford Street traffic funnelled through the roundabout to the intersection with Bargara Road.

A new set of traffic lights for motorists entering Bargara Road will reduce delays, and there’ll be safety benefits with Jealous Road traffic prevented from entering Kingsford Street.

New turning lanes will also be built at the Bargara Road and Lievesley Street intersection to ensure easier access to the local shopping centre.

"Like all of our major upgrades, the project’s been designed by Main Roads engineers to be virtually maintenance free for up to 15 years, minimising roads work disruption for local residents and motorists in the longer term,” Mr Lucas said.

”Depending on the weather, construction of the new roundabout will start late this month and finish in May.”

The first stage of the project will complete the road works around Bundaberg Sugar's rail line to Millaquin Mill before the beginning of the 2007 crush."

Traffic on busy Bargara Road will be given priority during construction, but motorists should expect minor disruptions on Gahans Road and Kingsford and Lievesley Streets.

Mr Lucas said, “I apologise for any traffic delays the upgrade may cause but Main Roads is making an effort to keep them to an absolute minimum."