Rocky Road - 12th July, 2007

If life is about the journey and not the destination, then life is running a little rough for western suburb residents at the moment. The $34 million upgrade of Moggill Road, while evidence that at least its limitations are finally being acknowledged, is creating plenty of short-term traffic headaches for residents and commuters. On paper it would seem that the widening of Moggill Road to four lanes up to Kilkivan Avenue is a bandaid measure at best. It won’t do anything to ameliorate the problems beyond Kilkivan Avenue nor the daily traffic debacle at the roundabout near Kenmore Village shopping centre (although it should be said there are some minor modifications currently being done to that roundabout). Still, it should sufficiently highlight the true nature of Moggill Road’s problems so that longer-term solutions, including a possible bypass, will become clearer. Given that projections show Brisbane can expect up to 50% more cars on the road by 2026, projects like this have become belatedly essential – in sporting terms, it’s catch-up footy played for the greater good of the game. So, what to expect for the next 12 months? There’ll be overall traffic delays caused by a reduction of the usual 70kph speed throughout the construction site. There’ll be changes to existing bus stop locations, timetables and routes, and I would urge any resident with queries about these to contact the office of Dr Bruce Flegg MP. Until next week … Gerard Baden-Clay Principal Century 21 Westside 1300 200 100