Promised work to ease South Brisbane’s “congested, dangerous mess” of roads is under way, Brisbane City Council says, ahead of the closure of Victoria Bridge to cars.
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In 2016 the council announced plans to close the bridge to cars and make it a “green” bridge as part of the city’s $944 million Brisbane Metro project, due for completion in 2023.
Victoria Bridge was expected to be closed towards the end of 2019, when construction on the Metro was expected to begin.
But in May last year, public and active transport chairman Adrian Schrinner said fears more cars would be forced over the Go Between toll bridge would be allayed, with council modelling projecting 70 per cent of cars would instead go over the William Jolly Bridge.
The council put $5 million towards road upgrades to help ease the pressures on the William Jolly Bridge, with five inner-city intersections now being upgraded.
After the committee meeting on Tuesday, Cr Schrinner said some of the upgrades were under way.
“Works have already been completed to add a new left-turn lane from Peel Street into Merivale Street and construction will soon commence to enhance pedestrian safety as well as adding a new right-turn lane from Peel Street into Cordelia Street,” Cr Schrinner said.
“We are also working with the local community regarding an upgrade of the Peel Street, Grey Street and Stanley Place intersection, with plans to increase turning capacities for both motorists and cyclists, as well as improving signalised pedestrian crossings.”
Alongside the Woolloongabba and Kangaroo Point Bikeway, the council is also planning to install more off-road cycling areas and an additional through-lane and the relocation of the CityCycle station.
Turning lanes from Skew Street to Upper Roma Street are also being extended and sight lines for drivers turning off the William Jolly Bridge are also being upgraded.
Cr Schrinner said the planned Brisbane Metro upgrade would help commuters get home faster.
“South Brisbane is a cultural and health hub and it will soon have world-class public transport with the delivery of Brisbane Metro in 2023,” he said.
“Brisbane Metro will help transform this precinct from a congested, dangerous and chaotic mess into a safer, people-friendly place that prioritises public and active travel.”
The intersection upgrades are expected to be completed this year.
