WORK on a $90,000 colourful road design at the entrance to Ipswich’s Top of Town has been brought to a screeching halt after a wave of public outrage.
The bright paint job, meant to highlight the new scramble crossing, sparked a flood of complaints after Mayor
Teresa Harding posted images online.
Locals blasted the design as “confusing”, “an eyesore”, and “better suited to a playground”, saying it clashed with the area’s historic charm.
Critics also warned the slick surface could be dangerous for motorcyclists and questioned whether the artwork even met road safety regulations.
Council has now hit pause on the project while the design is reviewed.
Work on the new scramble crossing at the intersection of Brisbane and Ellenborough Streets in Ipswich Central was scheduled to start on November 16.
An Ipswich City Council spokesman said some councillors raised concerns about the design and cost of the project.
“Following additional feedback received from some of Council’s elected community representatives, we will consider options to simplify the painting design and to reduce project costs,” he said.
The spokesman said about half of the $90,000 cost was for the traffic management required due to partial road closures and night works at the key intersection.
“This intersection is the major connection point between businesses in the Top of Town and Nicholas Street precincts in Ipswich Central,” he said. “The painted road surface treatment was intended as just one piece of work done towards revitalisation of Ipswich Central to improve pedestrian safety and enhance the visual appeal of the intersection.”
The spokesman said an expert external contractor was set to paint the scramble crossing using an anti-slip and skid-resistant coating designed, extensively tested and applied in many road areas to withstand a variety of weather and traffic conditions.
“The design sought to celebrate Ipswich’s architectural heritage, blending traditional brickwork and arches with modern geometric forms to create a vibrant and engaging public space,” he said.
“We will keep the community and precincts’ businesses updated on next steps for the project.”
