Tuesday 20 September 2011

Death trap decision two weeks away

Speculation on whether the main entrance to Port Douglas will be upgraded to a roundabout or traffic lights is far too early to confirm, with the findings of a safety audit yet to be released.

Debate over whether the intersection requires significant upgrading has raged since a serious traffic accident occurred at the notorious intersection in July, in which two cars collided resulting in a French woman being airlifted from the accident site to Cairns Base Hospital with serious injuries.

Member for Cook, Jason O’Brien, says only minor alterations may even be made, such as changes to signage and road markings, depending on the findings of the Main Roads Department safety audit due in two weeks time.

“Those results, which will include the findings on that recent accident, may come up with a range of options,” Mr O’Brien told The Newsport.

“That may be to do nothing, increase signage or road markings, or install a roundabout or traffic lights, but it is far too early to jump to conclusions.”

Mr O’Brien conceded that while there were arguments for and against a roundabout at the intersection, simple treatments for the intersection may be recommended based on the accident history of other Captain Cook Highway roundabouts.

“Other roundabouts on Captain Cook Highway have a high accident history, particularly in the wet season,” Mr O’Brien said.

“That’s why the speed limit on those roundabouts has been reduced to 60km/hr in the past 12 months or so, as well as resurfacing of roundabouts at Smithfield and Caravonica to increase traction.

“If the findings show that a roundabout is the best option for the Port Douglas intersection, private land would have to be reclaimed and light poles would have to be moved, which is a costly exercise.

“And certainly no funding has been secured for either a roundabout or lights as yet.”

Mr O’Brien said while there was no budgetary allowance for the intersection at this stage, he would be urging the Main Roads Department to release the results of the audit.

“If the audit says heavy engineering is required (the installation of a roundabout or traffic lights) then I will lobby the State Government to secure that funding,” he said.

“However, the State Government has already spent a lot of money on the recent upgrades of the Captain Cook Highway, as we can see with slope stability works at Yule Point and Ellis Beach, and the safety barriers installed along sections of the highway.”

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Mich , 27-09-11 17:55:

Accidents are more often than not due to driver negligence.
However there are a number of factors at this intersection that can cause accidents.
Most of the bingles happen in the late afternoon, when the sun is setting and is often in the eyes of the drivers.
Not only that but a Giveway sign turning into a major highway is unacceptable. i was amazed the other day when turning out of Finlayvale Road (Silky Oaks road) onto Syndicate Road ... there is a Stop sign! Now not a lot of traffic comes along that road and is a 60 km hr zone.
Another suggestion is for speedhumps similar to Cape Trib road...

Aggro , 23-09-11 10:32:

The same idiots who are having accidents with the current intersection will be the same idiots that drive too fast (or fail to indicate) through a roundabout or traffic lights. It's the drivers, not the intersection! You can easily see in both directions at the T junction, and if you're unsure of a car's intentions, just stop and wait- how hard can it be?
As for people still whinging about traffic noise - that's what you get when you buy into an old cane farm next to a highway. Get out if you don't like it

liz perriam, 21-09-11 18:25:

Taking the subject of moron drivers one step further, could we also look at the traffic who ignor the 50 zone on Port Road, the numerous car, trucks, caravans and the like who attempt a U turn at the corner of Port and Mudlo St, with no thought to the traffic approaching from the Marina, and never at 50. The nunerous motor bikes who appear to make as much noice as they can as they turn into Port Road!!!!
How there hasn't been a major incident is in itself a miracle.

Toni , 21-09-11 17:52:

I agree with Cheryl, a stop sign for traffic entering the highway from PD Road turning right or left, this is pretty standard practise at a 'T' junction where a minor road feeds into a major road. I also think it would help to remove the south bound left turn lane into PD Road - the give-way sign is very confusing to any uninitiated north-bound traffic turning right into PD Road. This would make every action simpler and more predictable. If it also caused traffic to slow down that would be benefit too.

Cheryl Wellham, 21-09-11 14:47:

Perhaps the investigators should also be looking at the problem of speeding through Craiglie. I constantly see (from my Office) traffic ignoring speed restrictions (70Ks) through this very busy zone. We have witnessed quite a few bingles along this strip over the years. The speeding traffic then keeps going through to the Port Douglas intersection possibly greater than 70 ks. So perhaps all we need is to look at restricting our speed limits before Craiglie and continuing this to the turn off. A compulsory stop sign for exiting traffic would also ensure more caution.

Andy Ginter, 21-09-11 12:49:

Why don't people just stop driving like morons and be sensible, alert and mindful of all other drivers and stop when you're meant to stop. Can't believe idiots still cause havoc on this road.