RESIDENTS of Eastern Heights have voiced their concerns over a proposed safety solution for the intersection of Whitehill and Robertson Roads, which involves the installation of a large concrete barrier to prevent vehicles from crossing Robertson Rd.
Long-time resident Terry Goven expressed his frustration, stating that the barrier would force all traffic to turn left from Whitehill Rd, significantly impacting local access.
“At a meeting a few years ago, Councillor Marnie Doyle and Councillor Andrew Fechner discussed the issue,” Mr Goven said.
“They said there had been 12 collisions at that intersection over the years, and their solution was to block access with a massive concrete slab.”
Councillor Marnie Doyle acknowledged the concerns, explaining that all levels of government had identified the location as a high-risk area, requiring urgent safety upgrades.
“Installing traffic signals at this intersection is not considered to be an appropriate solution, as it would change the local access function of Whitehill Rd,” Cr Doyle said.
“Traffic signals would likely increase traffic volumes along Whitehill Rd, impacting adjacent properties and the efficiency and safety of the road network.”
The intersection has been flagged as a “black spot”, with 12 serious crashes occurring between 2017 and 2021. In response, Ipswich City Council secured funding from the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program to upgrade the intersection.
The planned upgrades include the installation of a concrete median to restrict through-traffic and right turns, effectively making Whitehill Rd a left-in, left-out only route.
Councillor Andrew Antoniolli, Chairperson of the Council’s Infrastructure, Planning, and Assets Committee, explained the reasoning behind the upgrade.
“This is designed to address the main cause of crashes, where vehicles fail to pick a safe gap in through-traffic on Robertson Rd,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“Construction is set to begin next month, pending approvals.”
However, residents like Mr Goven are also questioning the impact of the changes on public transport.
In January, bus stops were permanently relocated, which has affected those who relied on the number 503 bus service.
“That bus service is the only one that drops residents on the doorstep of both hospitals in Ipswich,” Mr Goven said.
“I’ve used that bus many times to go to the hospital and come home. Now, you must walk a long way.”
