Local residents have railed against plans for a new 770m-long school zone that will be installed over an already-congested stretch of road in Albany Creek.
Read: Works Commence on New Speed Limit Zones at Two Albany Creek Schools
The school zone with a 40km/h speed limit is being installed on Old Northern Road outside Albany Hills State School and Albany Creek State High School.
The zone will stretch from north of the intersection with Jinker Track all the way to south of the Folkstone Avenue intersection. Officials decided on an uninterrupted school zone for this stretch of road because the two schools are in very close proximity to each other.
The aim of this unified school zone is to enhance safety for students and residents alike who need to travel to and from the school campuses.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads stated that the installation of the continuous school zone was due to the short separation between the two schools. They claimed it would improve safety for students and the general community, with active flashing lights operating from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on school days.
However, the decision has attracted strong reaction from some locals who questioned the need for the extended zone. They pointed out that barriers on the side of Old Northern Road heading towards Brisbane block students from crossing, while traffic lights with crossings are already in place near both schools.
One long-time resident, who has lived in the area for nearly 30 years and seen traffic congestion increase significantly over that period, said people are going to get angry because they can’t get to work on time, and questioned what the expanded zone would achieve.
Read: Albany Creek Unites for World’s Greatest Shave Against Blood Cancer
The Department spokeswoman stated that their review highlighted the need for the school zone, which was prompted by community requests and a change to their school zone policy. While acknowledging congestion concerns, she claimed the school zone would have minimal impact on travel times, stating that safety is their highest priority.
Published 23-April-2024