Construction of a new roundabout at the Hastings River Drive/Newport Island Road intersection will commence in February, resulting in improved safety and traffic flow at this busy intersection.
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The $2.07 million contract to construct the new roundabout was awarded to Ditchfield Contracting Pty Ltd, with construction due for completion in September 2018.
“An increasing number of vehicles are using Hastings River Drive to access local businesses and services, including travelling to and from the Airport and sporting facilities, and as a link to the Pacific Highway,” said acting director Andrew Doig.
“With more than 18,000 vehicles passing through the intersection on a daily basis, it is becoming increasingly known as a traffic hotspot and the improvements are a high priority for our community.”
The upgrade to the intersection will see a concrete roundabout constructed to improve traffic flow and provide safer passage for vehicles exiting and entering Newport Island Road at Hastings River Drive.
Pedestrian and cycling links will also be improved.
This initial stage of construction will involve work to services including electricity, water and sewerage relocations. Some trees will also be removed during this stage.
Traffic flow along Hastings River Drive will be maintained during construction with traffic reduced to one lane in each direction, however closure of Newport Island Rd at the intersection will be required to allow for safe and efficient construction.
Alternate access and detour routes will be signposted, and Council requests that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians take caution, follow the instructions of traffic controllers and allow extra travel time.
“The new roundabout and related pedestrian and cycling access is a part of Council’s commitment to the broader upgrade of Hastings River Drive,” Mr Doig said.
“This work follows the reconstruction of the section between Gordon and Aston St which was completed in June 2016, and future works including the duplication of the section between Hughes Place and Boundary Street, which is currently in the planning stages.”