Permanent Traffic Calming Measures Planned for Ocean Park Avenue
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Council has resolved to take a measured approach surrounding the ongoing traffic issues along Ocean Park Ave in Yeppoon, with plans to implement load limits, request police enforcement, and install six one-lane slow points.
Councillors were presented with the results from the most recent survey at last week’s Ordinary Council Meeting, with a number of recommendations made to the table in order to improve traffic management.
Results of the survey showed that 63% of responding residents located across the Shire agreed that Council needs to take action to reduce speed or volume along Ocean Park Ave.
While 91% of residents living on Ocean Park Ave also agreed action was needed to address the speed and volume of traffic.
Mayor Adam Belot said this issue has been ongoing for several years and Council has a number of options to influence traffic speeds, volume and truck usage in this street.
“Following the temporary road closures and traffic calming trials undertaken earlier this year, Council has now reviewed the latest survey results and agreed to take measured steps in working with local residents of the estate to resolve this ongoing and important traffic issue,” Mayor Belot said.
“Council will be installing load limit signs at the eastern and western ends of Ocean Park Avenue to eliminate large heavy vehicles from the street, while also requesting the Queensland Police Service in Yeppoon undertake random speed enforcement campaigns to support the road safety strategy.
“Looking forward, Council will implement six one-lane slow points along Ocean Park Avenue in order to reduce vehicle speeds and volumes, allocating $25,000 in 2024/2025 for design and $250,000 in 2025/2026 for construction.”
Infrastructure Committee Co-chair Councillor Glenda Mather said she appreciated residents’ patience while Council worked to find a suitable solution.
“We truly appreciate the input from over 260 residents who recently provided their thoughts and feedback on this complex traffic issue,” Cr Mather said.
“It’s crucial that Council has a clear picture of future traffic planning considerations required, and these survey results have helped to determine what action will be taken to help minimise the impact of speed and frequency along this key linkage.”
Infrastructure Committee Co-chair Councillor Rhodes Watson said local traffic management is a combination of traffic engineering (science), human behaviour, education, and enforcement.
“Additionally, feedback on the road closure trial was received from local emergency services who emphasised the need for the road to remain open when it comes to response times in an emergency situation,” Cr Watson said.
“Both Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service representatives in Yeppoon highlighted the importance of this connecting route in reaching the surrounding suburbs of Barmaryee, Woodbury and Bungundarra area in a time critical response.
“Council would like to sincerely thank the community for their ongoing patience and understanding as it works to strike the balance between improving safety and liveability in the area, and the surrounding road network.”