New roundabout for busy intersection

Construction has started on a new roundabout to improve safety at a busy Charters Towers intersection.

Council began work on the Peek Street and Racecourse Road roundabout last week.

It comes after a report delivered to Council highlighting several safety concerns that increase the likelihood of motor vehicle accidents at the intersection.

Councillor Bernie Robertson, whose portfolio includes roads, said there’s already been too many crashes and near misses in the area.  

“The report identified 32 conflict points, where vehicle paths intersect, at the current intersection,” he said.

“The roundabout will reduce that number to eight, making it significantly safer for road users and pedestrians.

“It will also lessen the severity of crashes as motorists will have to lower their speed when approaching the roundabout,” Cr Robertson said.

Some of the issues highlighted in the report include the high volume of traffic, poor sight distance due to the horizontal alignment and private nature strip plantings, and the wide roads providing motorists with a false sense of their driving speed and safety.

The new roundabout is expected to be finished by the end of July.

“While Council will work hard to minimise disruptions as much as possible, traffic delays can be expected,” Cr Robertson said.

“We encourage road users to use an alternative route if possible and to follow all traffic controls and signage, including changed speed limits and any road closures.”