Maryborough motorists benefit from road upgrade

Maryborough motorists travelling to and from key sporting fields in the heritage city will have a safer and simpler journey following an upgrade to Sydney Street.

Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Paul Truscott said a new one-way road built from the end of Sydney Street along the unformed section of Ariadne Street to Victory Street would improve the safety of motorists.

“People accessing the touch football and soccer fields will now be able to head back towards Maryborough along Sydney Street rather than having to enter onto the busy Hervey Bay-Maryborough Road,” he said.

“This upgrade will be a boost for nearby residents while it will also benefit patrons of the popular Sporties Club who will have a safer return to town.

“Drivers have had to wait up to 30 minutes to get onto the Hervey Bay-Maryborough Road, which can lead to drivers becoming frustrated and making bad decisions and taking chances.

“Making the road one way will reduce the temptation for drivers to use it as a ‘rat run’ to Hervey Bay. I really believe this upgrade will be a lifesaver for the community.”

The Sydney Street upgrade also included the construction of a new footpath, the installation of speed humps, culvert upgrades and the installation of pedestrian refuge islands.

The $2.5 million project was delivered with $1.7 million in funding from the State Government’s Works for Queensland program with the remaining funds from Council’s capital works budget.

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the opening of Sydney Street would be a welcome relief for motorists to safely be able to access Ariadne and Victory Streets.

“This in turn will ease congestion at the Sydney Street and Hervey Bay-Maryborough Road intersection during peak traffic.

“The Queensland Government through the Works for Queensland project is committed to improving road safety for our motorists.”