Problems with crossing plan

MOVES to reduce Abbott St to one lane between Spence and Wharf streets in the Cairns CBD would create more problems than solve one.

Cairns Regional Council is concerned about the many nearmisses on the pedestrian crossing between the Reef Hotel Casino and the Pullman Cairns International hotel.

One plan is to reduce the double lanes in both directions to one to make the crossing safer.

But it could cause a bottleneck in both directions, particularly from Spence St to Wharf St, and make it harder to enter and exit the casino’s underground car park.

A better idea would be to reduce the speed limit to 40km/h and install warning lights.

Even better would be to remove the pedestrian crossing and make people cross the road at the traffic lights at Spence and Wharf streets.

This option will cost only $30,000.

The council says installing traffic lights to control the crossing will slow down vehicles even more. It has been estimated at $300,000.

A lot of people ignore the crossing anyway and stroll across the road either side over the median strip.

There is an upside to the one-lane proposal. It will create more parking bays, about 24 plus three motorbike bays, and cost about $60,000 to implement.

The council has yet to sign off on the scheme.

Residents, business owners and the public are being consulted first before a decision is made.

If you have concerns then put them in writing or by phone by February 9 so the council has comprehensive feedback. Nick Dalton Deputy editor