A closure this weekend of a key section of Redbank Plains Road will seek to revitalise work on council’s major road upgrade.
Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee Chairperson Cr Andrew Antoniolli said the closure of one lane to allow otherwise drawn-out works to happen in one hit would ultimately benefit motorists.
“Regular users of Redbank Plains Road would know that council took the decision to remove the Redbank Plains Road Stage 3 upgrade project from former contractor Allroads when it became clear they were not able to complete the work,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“Council has taken over the project directly, working with Dinmore-based contractor NARIC Civil to complete the next stages of work.”
Cr Antoniolli said council officers had advised they would close Redbank Plains Road from Highbury Drive to Shannon Street. The closure would be from 7pm on Friday, 28 June until 5am on Monday, 1 July, 2024 and would help advance construction of the whole project.
“I am advised that one lane will remain open at all times over the weekend,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“The shutdown will effectively ‘tidy up’ parts of the project that were left when council assumed control, allowing further work to progress in a less disruptive way for motorists.
“This timing – a weekend, and over school holidays – has been chosen to minimise disruption to residents and businesses.
“Over the 50-hour lane closure, Barry Drive intersection works will be completed and two northbound lanes of Barry Drive between Highbury Drive and Shannon Street will be asphalted.
“This will allow the two lanes from Highbury Drive to Shannon Street to reopen on Monday 1 July, and help keep the project on track for its December 2024 completion date.”
Division 1 Councillor Pye Augustine welcomed the move as a sensible approach to minimise disruption and keep the project on track.
“When council took on this project, it was clear that residents were tired of delays,” Cr Augustine said.
“Construction fatigue is a very real thing – it’s frustrating to business and residents.
“Since council took on the project, we have been working with NARIC Civil to progress road, drainage electrical and services work.
“Once complete, the work in this weekend shutdown will be a clearly visible sign of progress.”
Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said works had been planned to both minimise disruption and ensure safety.
“Fully diverting traffic away from the construction site will be the safest option,” Cr Madsen said.
“It will also deliver a time saving of at least four weeks and a cost saving of $258,000 in things like traffic control and penalty rates.
“The work will also bundle lane closure works with other future activities that would require their own night shift. This includes Energex works at the same intersection. Drive and kerb work in the vicinity of the works will also be completed during the closure.”
Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said the removal of the ‘hump’ at the Barry Street intersection would be welcomed by residents and businesses.
“This has been an obvious slow point, even with the limits in place due to construction,” Cr Tully said.
“The work will allow traffic to be switched to the western lanes, allowing construction access to eastern lanes.
“No one wants traffic disruption. However, if the end result of this is keeping the project on track for completion in December, I’m sure residents will be prepared to weather it.
“I want to thank motorists for their patience, and urge them to drive to the speed limit and obey directions from traffic controllers.”
Details of traffic arrangements will be as follows:
From 7pm Friday, 28 June to 5am on Monday, 1 July, 2024:
- The northbound lane of Redbank Plains Road from Highbury Drive to Shannon Street will be diverted via local roads around the works
- Eastbound heavy vehicles will detour along Jones Road
- Northbound light vehicles will detour at Barry Drive and rejoin at Shannon Street.
Council has allowed for a potential second weekend shutdown in case of unforeseen delays. This would run from 7pm on Friday 5 July until 5am on Monday, 8 July.
Local traffic arrangements and traffic control will be in place, and are available from the Redbank Plains Road Stage 3 upgrade page.
