To address the increasing prevalence of right-turn crashes at the intersection, new traffic signals will be switched on at the Old Northern Road/Explorer Drive intersection in Albany Creek.
The project follows the Government’s investment in making the intersection safer and is being delivered as part of the Queensland Government’s Targeted Road Safety Program.
According to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, the new traffic signals will significantly help in controlling traffic movement at the accident-prone intersection.
“Switching on the new traffic signals will significantly improve right-turns from Explorer Drive to Old Northern Road,” Mr Bailey said.
“The signals will make turning right safer and easier and help control the flow of traffic at this increasingly busy intersection, which I know has been a concern for the local community,” he added.
Mr Bailey said that the new traffic signals will also be coordinated with other signals on Old Northern Road to further improve priority traffic movements and minimise queuing distances during peak periods.
The intersection would be monitored and the signal synchronisation fine-tuned as traffic patterns settle.
Other safety improvements have also been delivered at the intersection, including:
- an extended southbound right-turn lane on Old Northern Road to increase capacity for turning vehicles
- a high-angle entry treatment for motorists turning left from Explorer Drive onto Old Northern Road to improve visibility
- a dedicated on-road lane for northbound cyclists through the intersection
- a signalised pedestrian crossing across Explorer Drive
Mr Bailey confirmed that the construction contractor, RoadTek, will return to the site after the signals are operational to finalise the safety improvements.
Road upgrades are continuously done in roads around Albany Creek as part of the program to improve the most dangerous intersections in the Moreton Bay region.
Old Northern Road Upgrades
More safety improvements will also be provided to Old Northern Road in response to community feedback.
A new footpath for the eastern side of Old Northern Road is already being designed and is anticipated to be complete in September with construction to follow.
A signalised pedestrian crossing will also be added at the northern side of the intersection to tie into the new footpath.
Mr Bailey hopes that the project, which is expected to be finished by the end of the year, will provide a safe passage across Old Northern Road.
Majority of the works for the Road Safety Program needs to be completed at night when traffic volumes are lower to ensure the safety of motorists and road workers.
Mr Bailey advised motorists to take extra precaution while travelling through the work zone and thanked the local community for their patience.
