A speed limit change, raised crossing and other street safety upgrades are about to be introduced in the middle of a town.
The state government will start delivering the project in Pomona in late September.
Stage 1 of improvements will focus on Factory Street, which is a key commute and freight route through the town.
It will include two raised township entry treatments, a new raised crossing and street lighting. A reduced speed limit of 40km/h, from 50km/hr, will then be established between the two town entrances.
The measures are expected to improve pedestrian safety and help slow traffic, while helping to protect Pomona’s village character.
Works will generally be carried out during the day, Monday to Friday. A temporary speed limit reduction will also be in place while construction is underway to ensure the safety of road workers and road users.
Department of Transport and Main Roads North Coast regional director Melanie Dei Rossi said the works were an important step for the community.
“These improvements respond directly to community feedback and will make it safer and easier for people to move through the town centre,” she said via a TMR media release.
“By delivering safer crossing points and traffic calming measures, we’re helping create a more walkable environment for residents and visitors while supporting the character of this important hinterland town.”
“This is the first stage of a broader package of pedestrian safety improvements planned for Pomona, and we look forward to delivering these benefits for the community.”
Stage 2 will include further treatments within the wider town centre.
A TMR spokesperson informed Sunshine Coast News of the steps that will be taken during the next phase.
“Stage 2 of the Pomona pedestrian safety improvements project will deliver the remaining pedestrian safety treatments within the Pomona town centre.
“Detailed design is progressing and is anticipated to include two raised pedestrian crossings, including a new crossing on Memorial Avenue and an upgrade to the existing crossing on Station Street.
“The project is also expected to include a raised township entry treatment on Reserve Street and minor improvements to the existing crossing on Reserve Street.”
The street safety upgrades come after members of the community advocated for improved pedestrian safety for several years, particularly in response to concerns about heavy vehicle traffic travelling through the town centre.
The works were developed by TMR in consultation with Noosa Shire Council.
The upgrade was designed to align with the council’s Pomona Place Plan, which identified community support for safer walking routes, lower traffic speeds and protecting the town’s village character.
The raised crossings have been designed with a low profile and long platforms, to allow vehicles to pass over them relatively smoothly, reducing speed while minimising noise.
Locals expressed their opinions about the project on social media in June.
“Looking forward to seeing the plan come to action,” one commented.
“Anyone who regularly crosses the roads understands the need for this and to slow down some of the traffic.”
“As a stallholder at Pomona Market for nine years I have seen so many close calls of children and elderly customers nearly being run over leaving Stan Topper Park,” another said.
SCN has asked TMR how much the project could cost and how it would be paid for and is awaiting a response.
