Transit lanes part of completed Smith Street upgrade
Published Monday, 15 September, 2008 at 03:00 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
The transformation of the Gold Coast’s Smith Street into a more efficient transport route is now complete, with the official commissioning today of the $19.8 million upgrade.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt, Transport Minister John Mickel and Member for Southport Peter Lawlor toured the completed project this afternoon on its first day of operation.
Mr Pitt said the upgrade was an important part of the Queensland Government's plans to improve transport infrastructure on the Gold Coast.
“The Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia but this growth creates pressure on infrastructure and services,” he said.
“That is why we are building and rebuilding the infrastructure needed to keep pace with this growth and to maintain our great lifestyle. We are spending $2 million every hour of every day as we build tomorrow’s Queensland today.”
Mr Mickel said the upgrade had transformed Smith Street into a more modern and efficient transport route.
"Featuring the first 24-hour T3 transit lanes on Gold Coast roads, the upgrade will ease traffic congestion from Parklands Drive through to Tate Street,” Mr Mickel said.
"It's also great news for the travelling public who have been provided with a more efficient link to Southport's residential and trade areas, reinforcing the Queensland Government’s commitment to improving east-west connections on the Gold Coast.
“To ensure the transit lanes operate to their full potential, seven new indented bus bays were constructed. This allows for smoother traffic flows and less disrupted journeys for buses using Smith Street. To maximise safety for residents using the T3 lane to enter properties, the project also included the reconstruction of 75 driveways."
Mr Lawlor said the 2.5km upgrade project comprised a newly surfaced road, divided by a central median, as well as east and west-bound transit lanes and improved traffic signals at the Kumbari Avenue and Brooke Avenue intersections.
"These intersection improvements, along with the conversion of the High Street roundabout to a signalised intersection, will make this road much safer for all users," Mr Lawlor said.
“Main Roads will be monitoring traffic movements at the new signalised intersection, and make any required adjustments to the timing sequence to ensure the High Street signals are synchronised with the signals at Brooke Avenue and Kumbari Avenue.
"This will further reduce congestion and travel times for commuters and motorists.”
Mr Pitt praised the work of Main Roads in completing the upgrade, despite delays associated with 144 days of rain.
"Part of the works included improving stormwater drainage and increasing capacity for the larger storm events," Mr Pitt said.
"More than 2.5 kilometres of underground drainage pipes have been installed, and some 60 new manholes and 155 gully pits fitted along the length of the project.”
Mr Pitt also acknowledged the public's patience during project construction.
"I am conscious that during construction there have been some access restrictions and inconvenience to residences and businesses," he said. "However, now that the project is complete, the community will benefit from improved access arrangements and better traffic flow and safety."
The T3 transit lanes on Smith St can be used by: vehicles with three or more occupants; public transport buses; tourism courtesy coaches; emergency vehicles; taxis and limousines; and bicycles and motorbikes.
Motorists can drive in the T3 or bus lanes for up to 100m to enter or leave a road or driveway, or to move across from the side of the road into the general traffic lanes. Kerbside signs and special line marking will identify the new T3 and bus lanes.
Media contacts:
Mr Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Mr Mickel’s Office 3237 1125; Mr Lawlor’s Office 5532 5068
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt, Transport Minister John Mickel and Member for Southport Peter Lawlor toured the completed project this afternoon on its first day of operation.
Mr Pitt said the upgrade was an important part of the Queensland Government's plans to improve transport infrastructure on the Gold Coast.
“The Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia but this growth creates pressure on infrastructure and services,” he said.
“That is why we are building and rebuilding the infrastructure needed to keep pace with this growth and to maintain our great lifestyle. We are spending $2 million every hour of every day as we build tomorrow’s Queensland today.”
Mr Mickel said the upgrade had transformed Smith Street into a more modern and efficient transport route.
"Featuring the first 24-hour T3 transit lanes on Gold Coast roads, the upgrade will ease traffic congestion from Parklands Drive through to Tate Street,” Mr Mickel said.
"It's also great news for the travelling public who have been provided with a more efficient link to Southport's residential and trade areas, reinforcing the Queensland Government’s commitment to improving east-west connections on the Gold Coast.
“To ensure the transit lanes operate to their full potential, seven new indented bus bays were constructed. This allows for smoother traffic flows and less disrupted journeys for buses using Smith Street. To maximise safety for residents using the T3 lane to enter properties, the project also included the reconstruction of 75 driveways."
Mr Lawlor said the 2.5km upgrade project comprised a newly surfaced road, divided by a central median, as well as east and west-bound transit lanes and improved traffic signals at the Kumbari Avenue and Brooke Avenue intersections.
"These intersection improvements, along with the conversion of the High Street roundabout to a signalised intersection, will make this road much safer for all users," Mr Lawlor said.
“Main Roads will be monitoring traffic movements at the new signalised intersection, and make any required adjustments to the timing sequence to ensure the High Street signals are synchronised with the signals at Brooke Avenue and Kumbari Avenue.
"This will further reduce congestion and travel times for commuters and motorists.”
Mr Pitt praised the work of Main Roads in completing the upgrade, despite delays associated with 144 days of rain.
"Part of the works included improving stormwater drainage and increasing capacity for the larger storm events," Mr Pitt said.
"More than 2.5 kilometres of underground drainage pipes have been installed, and some 60 new manholes and 155 gully pits fitted along the length of the project.”
Mr Pitt also acknowledged the public's patience during project construction.
"I am conscious that during construction there have been some access restrictions and inconvenience to residences and businesses," he said. "However, now that the project is complete, the community will benefit from improved access arrangements and better traffic flow and safety."
The T3 transit lanes on Smith St can be used by: vehicles with three or more occupants; public transport buses; tourism courtesy coaches; emergency vehicles; taxis and limousines; and bicycles and motorbikes.
Motorists can drive in the T3 or bus lanes for up to 100m to enter or leave a road or driveway, or to move across from the side of the road into the general traffic lanes. Kerbside signs and special line marking will identify the new T3 and bus lanes.
Media contacts:
Mr Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Mr Mickel’s Office 3237 1125; Mr Lawlor’s Office 5532 5068