Bottleneck set to be opened up

A NOTORIOUS Southport bottleneck intersection critical to moving traffic to a major highway to the east and a motorway leading to the M1 to the west is earmarked for a $961,000 upgrade.

Traffic and Main Roads (TMR) will start work at the end of the month on safety, pedestrian and traffic upgrades to the Scarborough and North streets intersection, which leads to the Gold Coast Hwy to the east and Smith St Motorway to the west.

Member for Bonney Sam O’Connor has been pushing for work on the intersection, which in peak-hour traffic can leave drivers sitting at the lights for multiple rotations.

Eastbound and westbound lanes of North St will be modified and upgraded over an estimated four months.

Measures to improve flow will include removing up to eight carparking spaces, relocating “stop” lines and tree removal to improve signal sight.

Traffic signals and road lighting will be upgraded.

Amended pedestrian accessibility includes a centre median strip and crossing ramp upgrades.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said works would improve safety.

“The project is expected to be completed in December and we ask motorists to pay attention to changing traffic conditions and speed limits while works are under way.’’

Commuters can expect changed traffic conditions and TMR would also conduct night work to reduce disruption.