Design announced for Emmaus pedestrian overpass
Published Friday, 13 February, 2009 at 03:12 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
The Bligh Government today announced the preferred design for the $8 million pedestrian overpass over Yaamba Road servicing Emmaus College and north Rockhampton.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the preferred design met Main Roads criteria for cost, functionality and visual appeal, while also delivering a safe crossing for school students and members of the community.
“The selected overpass design features a fully enclosed slimline arched structure with stair and lift access for all-weather use,” Mr Pitt said.
“It also features a 50-metre span to accommodate the future six-laning of Yaamba Road without the need to extend the pedestrian overpass, and a seven-metre clearance below the structure to accommodate over-dimensional loads.
“The design also includes provision for closed-circuit television within the structure to improve user safety, deter vandalism and support 24-hour accessibility.”
Member for Keppel Paul Hoolihan said the community strongly favoured an overpass as a safer crossing alternative for the students of Emmaus College as well as the general public who cross Yaamba Road.
"Student and community safety were both major factors in the decision-making process, and when Main Roads consulted with Emmaus College and the local community about pedestrian crossing options in April 2008, the result was clear,” Mr Hoolihan said.
“The final design complements the surrounding environment and provides ease of access for Emmaus College students, staff and the wider community,” he said.
Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten said following today’s announcement, Main Roads would commence detailed planning, meaning the overpass was one step closer to the construction stage.
“During the coming weeks, Main Roads will complete site investigations, so motorists are reminded to observe warning signs and speed restrictions when passing through the site,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Main Roads expects all planning and design works for the overpass to be completed by April.
“By this time, Main Roads will be in a position to provide full details of the overpass and will hold a community information session to outline all elements of the project.”
The new pedestrian overpass remains on track to be open for the start of the 2010 school year.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Rockhampton Electorate Office 4927 5299; Keppel Electorate Office 4939 5732
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the preferred design met Main Roads criteria for cost, functionality and visual appeal, while also delivering a safe crossing for school students and members of the community.
“The selected overpass design features a fully enclosed slimline arched structure with stair and lift access for all-weather use,” Mr Pitt said.
“It also features a 50-metre span to accommodate the future six-laning of Yaamba Road without the need to extend the pedestrian overpass, and a seven-metre clearance below the structure to accommodate over-dimensional loads.
“The design also includes provision for closed-circuit television within the structure to improve user safety, deter vandalism and support 24-hour accessibility.”
Member for Keppel Paul Hoolihan said the community strongly favoured an overpass as a safer crossing alternative for the students of Emmaus College as well as the general public who cross Yaamba Road.
"Student and community safety were both major factors in the decision-making process, and when Main Roads consulted with Emmaus College and the local community about pedestrian crossing options in April 2008, the result was clear,” Mr Hoolihan said.
“The final design complements the surrounding environment and provides ease of access for Emmaus College students, staff and the wider community,” he said.
Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten said following today’s announcement, Main Roads would commence detailed planning, meaning the overpass was one step closer to the construction stage.
“During the coming weeks, Main Roads will complete site investigations, so motorists are reminded to observe warning signs and speed restrictions when passing through the site,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Main Roads expects all planning and design works for the overpass to be completed by April.
“By this time, Main Roads will be in a position to provide full details of the overpass and will hold a community information session to outline all elements of the project.”
The new pedestrian overpass remains on track to be open for the start of the 2010 school year.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Rockhampton Electorate Office 4927 5299; Keppel Electorate Office 4939 5732