Council and Main Roads put wheels in motion for North Street upgrade
Published on 19 January 2016
A collaborative project of Rockhampton Regional Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads is paving the way for more dedicated on-road bicycle lanes in Rockhampton.
Mayor of Rockhampton Region, Cr Margaret Strelow announced today a major upgrade planned for North Street, with additions to increase the safety of the cycling community.
“We are very pleased to announce that from this June, North Street- from Canning Street to West Street will be upgraded to include on-road bicycle lanes,” Mayor Strelow said.
Mayor Strelow said Council had worked toward the upgrade in earlier months however the support from the Department of Transport and Main Roads has resulted in a larger scale project with even greater benefits for the Region.
“The new lanes will link up with the existing on-road bicycle lanes that extend from West Street to Bolsover Street and will improve cyclist safety in our Region,” she said.
"This section of North Street has been identified as a priority route of the Central Queensland Principal Cycle Network Plan which has been endorsed by Council.
“We are thrilled that this will soon be improved and sincerely thank the Department of Transport and Main Roads for their support of this project.”
The project totals $1,240,000 and is jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.
Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety, Mark Bailey said the Program aimed to provide safe, direct and connected cycling routes.
"The North Street Bicycle Lane Design and Construction project is important to the region because it will encourage more people to ride bikes to school, work, shops and for leisure," Mr Bailey said.
"This project is another example of how the Palaszczuk Government is working with local councils to build more cycle infrastructure across Queensland."
The design is currently being finalised by Council, in consultation with the Department of Transport and Main Roads. The upgrade will involve widening the road to incorporate the construction of the bicycle lane as well as a parking lane and traffic lane in each direction. Works will include pavement construction, retaining wall construction for raised centre median, kerb and channel, asphalt reseal and pavement line marking.
Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne said the project would allow for protected bike lanes, parking lanes and traffic lanes in each direction.
“We’re committed to improving the safety of our transport network, which includes making it easier and safer for more people to ride bikes,” Mr Byrne said.
“The works will greatly improve safety and connectivity for cyclists traveling on Rockhampton’s growing cycling network.”
Construction is expected to be carried from June until December, 2016.