Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has revealed the detailed design for the $115 million Wynnum Road Stage 1 corridor upgrade, which will cut travel times by up to 50 per cent in peak periods and protect historic pine trees in Mowbray Park. Community consultations have been slated for July and August 2016.
Nearly 50 homes will be demolished to make way for the $115 million Wynnum Rd corridor upgrade — including those of mining magnate Gina Rinehart and leading businesswoman Sarina Russo, founder of employment and training agency, Sarina Russo, according to The Courier-Mail.
Cr Quirk said the wheels were in motion for the major congestion-busting project, which would widen the four lane stretch of Lytton Road, from Latrobe Street to Canning Bridge in East Brisbane, to six lanes.
“The Wynnum Road upgrade is one of the key items listed in my 2016/17 budget, just one of more than 90 road projects to be completed over the next four years to combat traffic delays.
“We are committed to delivering real action on traffic congestion and making sure we have the infrastructure in place for the needs of the future.
“Currently vehicles travelling through this stretch of road are averaging delays of three minutes in morning peak times, and at the very least one minute, 20 second delays in the afternoon.
“The Wynnum Road corridor currently carries more than 56,000 vehicles a day and upgrade will not only significantly improve current conditions, but also cater to future demand as our city grows.”
Cr Quirk said the detailed design included plans for the state heritage-listed Mowbray Park, which would ensure the park continues to be an important landmark in the local community.
“Mowbray Park is a significant part of the East Brisbane community, and Council is working to minimise impacts on the park as part of the stage one upgrade,” he said.
“There will be no net loss of parklands as a result of the project and there will also be no impacts to the war memorial located at the site.
“The designs have protected the historic hoop pine and kauri pine trees located close to the pathway along Lytton Road, and Council is currently working to identify locations within the park to replant impacted fig trees.”
Cr Quirk said the project also reflected suggestions from the community about the inclusion of safe and adequate facilities for pedestrians and cyclists in the area.
“Separated bicycle and pedestrian lanes will also be installed along Lytton Road, with a section of shared pathway installed along the Mowbray Park frontage to reduce impacts on the park.
“Residents told us they wanted off-road cycling facilities and this improved infrastructure will be installed on the outbound section of this section of road. This will ensure a safer, more accessible journey for cyclists traveling along the busy stretch.
“There will be 48 full and partial property acquisitions required to enable Stage 1 widening works, with properties located along the northern side of Lytton Road.
Council has already reached an agreement with 21 property owners and is expected to formally acquire the remaining 27 during the next 12 months.”
Community newsletters are being distributed this week, with detail about the project.
Residents are also encouraged to attend community information sessions about the project, which will be held:
• Saturday 16 July: 9am – 12pm, Norman Park Bowls Club, 43 Norman Avenue, Norman Park
• Monday 8 August: 4pm – 7pm, Eastern Suburbs Football Club, 48 Hilton Street, East Brisbane
Construction on the project is expected to commence in 2018.
Original article published at www.theurbandeveloper.com by Staff Writer 29/6/2016