New lights questioned

$10.5m update to remove roundabouts

PLANS for new traffic lights on a busy Cairns street have revved up a backlash from drivers who have questioned the benefit of additional controlled intersections.

Two roundabouts on Florence St will be removed to make way for traffic lights under a $10.5 million revitalisation plan.

More trees and a covered walkway outside the Cairns Aquarium will also form part of Cairns Regional Council’s Florence St Link project.

Cyclist and pedestrian safety will be improved through the replacement of roundabouts at the Abbott St and Lake St intersections with traffic lights, along with better line marking, new footpaths and street lighting upgrades.

Acting Mayor Terry James said the key infrastructure project would boost the street’s appeal with visitors.

“Florence St and its surrounds are home to a number of significant tourist and cultural attractions, including Munro Martin Parklands, Cairns Performing Arts Centre and the Cairns Aquarium,” Cr James said.

But Earlville resident Michael Ilic said new lights would create further congestion in the CBD.

“Cairns has a problem with traffic flow, with traffic lights being installed at just about every intersection,” he said.

“It’s frustrating as a driver. It’s obviously to make the city pedestrian friendly (but) drivers will come off second best.”

The project includes tree planting to enhance shade and maintain consistency with the tropical urbanism design principle outlined in the Cairns City Centre Master Plan.

Division 5 councillor Richie Bates didn’t support the project on the grounds it was “not a priority” and its cost.

“All we are really doing is reconfiguring two intersections and doing some beautification works,” he said.

“At this stage of the game it’s a bit over the top. Finish that CBD link down Shields St because it was not properly finished in the first place.”

Work will begin at the end of October and continue for 12 months.