Work to ease congestion and improve connectivity at key intersection
Date published: 14 December 2016
A major upgrade of the intersection of William Angliss Drive and Mervyn Crossman Drive in Annandale is underway to improve long-term traffic flows through the busy arterial route.
The $4.38 million jointly funded project aims to increase the capacity of the intersection by introducing additional lanes and traffic lights to help control traffic flow through peak times.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the intersection was heavily used as a short cut for traffic travelling between University Road and the CBD. It was also the main access point for several schools and the Murray Sporting Complex.
The first stage of the project would be undertaken by Townsville City Council with the second - expected to commence in mid- February until June - to involve increasing the number of lanes at the intersection, installing traffic lights and lifting the roundabout to mitigate flooding.
Stage 2 would be funded under the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery program.
“This is a really busy intersection with school pick-ups, drop offs and sporting activities,” Cr Hill said. “The upgrade will help to ease congestion, improve connectivity to schools and sporting fields and provide drivers and pedestrians with safer conditions.”
Divisional councillor Verena Coombe said improving access to the area and enhancing safety were key priorities
Works had been scheduled during the school holidays and again, once school had returned in February to minimise disruption in the area.
Access to schools and sporting fields would also be maintained.
“We have been working with the local schools and the Murray Sporting Complex to ensure our traffic management plans that meet the diverse needs of students, teachers, parents and sporting clubs that access this area,” Cr Coombe said.
“Council will be providing regular project updates through a variety of channels and traffic controllers will be on site during work hours.”
