Abbott Street Deviation project
Project info
The first section of works to improve safety and efficiency along Abbott Street has been completed and the Abbott Street Deviation works are now under way.
The installation of traffic signals at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Abbott Street has now been completed.
The Abbott Street Deviation is a plan to move traffic away from Abbott Street, to a new road west of the railway line. This plan was developed in the late 1990's when detailed traffic investigations found that Abbott Street could not cater for future traffic growth. Consultation carried out in 1998 and 1999 found the community overwhelming supported this plan.
Contact details
Traffic info
The Abbott Street Deviation will link with a connection road (Lakeside Drive) to be constructed between the Bruce Highway and Oonoonba Road.
The Abbott Street Deviation will spread traffic over three intersections rather than directing traffic to one intersection, and as such, reducing pressure on the Abbott Street and Oonoonba Road intersection.
Traffic lights will be installed at the Oonoonba Road and Lakeside Drive intersection. These lights will direct traffic flow and ensure that motorists can safely choose which route to use.
The new road between Oonoonba Road and River Boulevard is the first part of the Abbott Street Deviation. Forecast traffic growth and infrastructure development will determine when other parts of the Abbott Street Deviation are constructed.
Community info
Main Roads worked closely with the community in the late 1990's to identify the best option for providing for traffic growth in Townsville's south. Following extensive consultation, which included public displays and the establishment of a Community Reference Group, it was determined that the best way to provide for future traffic growth was to move traffic away from Abbott Street to a new road west of the railway line.
A two-day public display was held in June 2008. The public display was attended by more than 250 people who took the opportunity to view and provide feedback about the Abbott Street Works and about the new deviation.
More recently, a community information day was held at the Oonoonba State School on 3 October 2009. Nearly 100 people from the community attended the display to view plans for the Abbott Street Deviation, meet with the project team and ask questions. Thank you to everyone who attended, your attendance and feedback was extremely valuable.
Main Roads is continuing to work closely with residents, businesses, schools and other interested stakeholders during the construction of the deviation. There will also be future opportunities for the community to be involved in planning for the ultimate Abbott Street Deviation. Main Roads is helping to provide infrastructure that can cope with future traffic growth and changes in travelling patterns.
Last updated: 12 November 2009
