Completed roadworks at a T-junction have been panned by residents, who say it’s more dangerous than before.
The intersection of Panorama Drive and Pringle Road at Nambour underwent a four-month, $430,000 makeover, including the removal of a give way sign.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the works improved safety for motorists travelling from all three directions.
But locals have expressed their frustration at the reconfiguration.
They submitted a petition to council “to fix a safety hazard created by the recently completed road alterations”.
“There was a give way sign at the intersection slowing traffic (heading south along Panorama Drive) before turning right,” it said.
“This has been removed leaving no incentive for vehicles to slow before entering the intersection. As such, vehicles enter the intersection at speed.”
The petition, from residents in the immediate area, stated there were also safety concerns for pedestrians.
“Panorama Drive has been significantly widened, leaving only a narrow strip on both sides of the road,” it said.
They also said the works had caused “unsafe vehicle and pedestrian egress from 36 Panorama Drive”.
The works started in August and were completed in December. A council spokesperson said improvements were made.
“The intersection upgrade enabled council to clearly define the main traffic thoroughfare along Panorama Drive and intersection with Pringle Road, with the intent to slow motorists heading towards the intersection from all three directions,” they said.
“A before-and-after speed study has indicated the vehicle speeds have decreased by an average of 8km/h at the intersection, indicating the design intent has been achieved.
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“The upgrade has improved safety and awareness through works which included: reconfiguring the intersection to prioritise the dominant through movement along Panorama Drive; altering the existing line and pavement markings; installing delineation devices and signage; and correcting any driveways affected by the realignment.
“The give way sign on Panorama Drive was no longer required for the new configuration of the intersection, which now allows the higher volume of movements to have priority.
“The minor road, Pringle Road, is now required to give way to all other through traffic on Panorama Drive.
“The road was (also) widened to accommodate a new lane that allows traffic to turn into Pringle Road.”
The spokesperson said there was plenty of community consultation in the lead-up to the upgrade.
“The works were one of the outcomes from several years of meetings with local residents, petitions and many other individual conversations with Panorama Drive residents,” they said.
But the spokesperson said there was some potential the intersection could be adjusted again.
“Council will continue to monitor speed and behaviour at the site to determine if any further action is required,” they said.
The divisional councillor David Law highlighted the locals’ angst.
“Over many years, there’s been a lot of conversations and meetings trying to improve the safety of Panorama Drive,” he said.
“The intention of these (recent) works was to improve safety.
“There are 19 signatures from people who are directly impacted, from Panorama Drive and Pringle Road.
“In their view, it’s not working, so the petition is about having another look at it.”
The council CEO was expected to refer the petition to the relevant council group for action and response.
