By Rose Astley
Work is set to start on the new roundabout at the intersection of Ernest Street and Hilton Terrace later this month as part of a $3 million upgrade.
The project, set to be completed by August, will see an ease in traffic congestion along Hilton Terrace during peak hour rushes.Council’s Infrastructure Services Director Carl Billingham said the intersection improvements were a key feature of the upgrade project.
“This intersection is one of the busiest in the shire and the new roundabout will improve safety while helping to keep traffic flowing, even during peak times,” Mr Billingham said.
Project Coordinator Cody Johnston said the roundabout works would be completed in two stages to minimise the impact for the many motorists that use the intersection.
“Stage one, scheduled to start about Monday 22 June, will involve upgrading drainage and widening sections of the existing intersection to accommodate the new layout,” he said.
“The second stage will involve the excavation and construction of the roundabout.
“The intersection will start to operate like a roundabout during this phase, which will allow work to be undertaken without closing off any lanes to traffic completely.
“It will be particularly important for motorists to stick to reduced speed limits and follow signage about changes to the layout of the road given how close roadworkers will be to traffic.”
Mr Johnston said there was still some works required before the whole upgrade project was complete.
“Our contractors are working hard to have the job finished before August, despite wet weather and ground conditions. They’ve also been flexible with the staging of work to reduce the impact on the community.
“For example, they resurfaced Earl Street earlier than planned to make the most of reduced traffic to Tait Duke Cottage during the COVID-19 restrictions. This will mean less impact on community groups as they return to the site now restrictions have eased.
“The finishing touches, such as beautification works, linemarking, and the last of the drainage upgrades, will be done after the roundabout and pavement works are finished,” he said.
“Connection of the shared path from Noosa Lakes Resort to Tait Duke Community Cottage will also be completed.
“We appreciate the patience and support shown by the local community and motorists on this project, and look forward to being able to show off the finished product soon,” Mr Johnston said.
