Wembley Road upgrade plan has Logan boom in its sights

The preferred upgrade plan for Wembley Road between Pagewood Street and Bardon Road in Logan Central has been released, Member for Woodridge Desley Scott and Member for Stretton Stephen Robertson said today.

Ms Scott said the proposed option for Section 1 of the Wembley Road upgrade was designed to enhance safety and improve travel times.

The 3.2 kilometre section of Wembley Road will be widened to four lanes and include two new signalised intersections to accommodate the growing needs of this developing area.

"The upgrade will include dedicated turning and slip lanes to improve traffic flow and a u-turn movement at Logan City Council’s new Third Avenue," Ms Scott said.

Mr Robertson said pedestrians and cyclists were also catered for in the plan and will be able to commute more safely thanks to a new 2.5 metre shared off-road pathway and new on-road provisions for cyclists.

"Having drawn up this proposed option for Section 1, Main Roads will continue work on developing options for Section 2, which includes the Wembley Road/Logan Motorway interchange,” Mr Robertson said.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said consultation undertaken earlier this year for both sections 1 and 2 showed significant community interest in solutions to congestion and road safety, along with the re-design of the interchange.

“Upgrading the Wembley Road/Logan Motorway interchange is a complex task and Main Roads is striving to ensure the options developed meet community needs," Mr Pitt said.

"In doing so, the department needs to make sure the upgraded interchange will integrate with the surrounding road network."

The preferred design plan for Section 1 of the Wembley Road Planning Study includes new environmental protection measures to provide for safer movement of local wildlife.

Mr Pitt said Main Roads worked closely with local environmental groups to provide a dedicated fauna underpass to direct fauna underneath the road through a reinforced concrete passage.

“The dry-floor crossing will include timber ledging and a large thick rope to assist animals such as possums and koalas,” Mr Pitt said.

"Main Roads is also investigating the potential installation of a glider crossing for Wembley Road after recent fauna studies sighted squirrel gliders in the area.

"Additionally, the upgrade will further focus on the environment by improving three drainage sites along Wembley Road – ensuring the upgraded road will withstand a 1 in 50 year flood."

The community can view the final Wembley Road upgrade plan for Section 1 (Anderson Street to Bardon Road) from Monday 24 November to Friday 19 December 2008 at information displays in the area:

·Logan City Council Administration Centre (foyer), 150 Wembley Road, Logan Central

·Woodridge Electorate Office, Unit 1/180 Wembley Road, Woodridge

·Stretton Electorate Office, Unit 5/62 Pinelands Road, Sunnybank Hills.

The preferred design and more details about the upgrade are also available at www.mainroads.qld.gov.au

For more information about the Wembley Road Planning Study, freecall

1800 025 716 or email wembley@mainroads.qld.gov.au

Media contact:     Minister's Office    3227 8819