UPGRADES to the dangerous Newnham and Wecker road intersection at Mt Gravatt East is a step closer with a concept design determined and preliminary design phase currently underway.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said growing congestion and safety concerns on the notoriously dangerous intersection prompted a $12 million Morrison Government investment towards a solution.

“This funding is part of the $33 million solution to be delivered by Brisbane City Council and I am happy to say, by working with my colleagues we are a step closer to getting this intersection fixed,” Mr Vasta said.

“Once the design phase is complete, construction is expected to get underway mid-2021, with completion planned for 2022.”

Mr Vasta said the proposed intersection upgrade would improve overall intersection operation, road safety, reduce congestion, improve travel time reliability and improve active transport accessibility.

“The concept includes a right turn lane on Newnham Road northbound, with a dedicated traffic signal right turn arrow, which will make a tremendous difference to safety,” Mr Vasta said.

“Other plans include and additional right turn lane from Wecker Road onto Newnham Road, signalisation for pedestrians crossing the existing left turn slip lane on Newnham Road southbound, as well as improved active transport infrastructure.”

Mr Vasta said better coordination of the traffic signals of the Newnham Road/ Creek Road and Newnham Road/ Wecker Road intersections would also maximise traffic flow capacity.

“Once the preliminary design phase is complete, I look forward to working with Councillor Ryan Murphy to deliver this vital upgrade to our local community,” Mr Vasta said.

More information on the project can be found here.