General News
27 May, 2024
No.1 traffic hotspot fixed up
A CAIRNS intersection that has repeatedly ranked as the worst hotspot for serious crashes in the state has now been upgraded, following a long push by RACQ.
The Florence St and Mulgrave Rd intersection at Parramatta Park consistently topped the state’s worst intersection list with 13 serious crashes causing 25 serious casualties over three years from January, 2020 to December, 2022.
RACQ’s public policy head Dr Michael Kane said the club had identified issues and advocated to Transport and Main Roads (TMR) for upgrades to the notorious intersection to save lives and prevent serious injury.
“This complex intersection layout and closely spaced traffic signals had been confusing and tricky for motorists to navigate, and it’s often heavily congested, which can be a dangerous combination for drivers,” he said.
“It’s great to see TMR Far North district complete this upgrade, with new signs, line markings, separation kerb and traffic signal changes designed to reduce driver confusion and late lane changes, which should lead to fewer serious crashes in years to come.
“This great work is welcomed by RACQ and is a good first step to further improvements in this area, with the Cairns ring road project proposing upgrades at this and the nearby intersections of Florence and Martyn streets, and Bunda and Martyn streets
“Crossing the road can be difficult with so much traffic and the width of Mulgrave Rd and Florence St, so we’re pleased to see the retention of the cycling lanes and pedestrian signals at the intersection, which will provide safety for vulnerable road users.”
The intersection upgrade was completed only weeks before the federal government announced a major boost to upgrading the Bruce Highway in this year’s budget.
Part of the $467 million commitment was to finalise costs in delivering the full Cairns southern access stage 3, Edmonton to Gordonvale project, which is set to improve road safety, travel times, and traffic flow.
