Stage 1 of the Eastern Transitway project is now well underway, with construction having commenced along Old Cleveland Rd at Carindale Street, across from Carindale Shopping Centre.

This upgrade aims to deliver a more efficient and reliable public transport system and access, whilst also benefiting pedestrians and bikeway users with associated upgrades increasing connectivity in the area. More information on this can be found in my previous article.

Following community consultation, I made a submission to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) with suggestions for improvements that address some concerns myself and members of the community have with current plans.

The following design proposals would address these concerns by providing better access and safety for wildlife, with current pathways impacted by the project, and benefit pedestrian and bikeway users by increasing their access and connectivity to existing pathways and bridges.

Narracott Street

Concerns about the safety of bike-users and pedestrians alike at the intersection of Creek Road and Old Cleveland Road were expressed by community cycling groups, suggesting that the slip lane at the intersection be removed.

Rather than remove the slip lane, which would have diverted vehicle traffic down Narracott Street, DTMR determined that by extending the on-road cycle marker further east from the start of the slip lane, the safety of transitioning from the shared path to on-road cycle would be greatly improved.

Cycle user safety will be improved, without bringing an increased flow of heavy traffic along Narracott Street that the slip lane removal would have brought.

Wildlife Crossings

With the widening of Old Cleveland Rd to accommodate for a separate bus lane, the project encroaches on the local koala corridors between Whites Hill Reserve and Bulimba Creek.

I saw a lack of pathway or crossings for the local wildlife to be able to safely navigate the new road. Whilst the glider poles and rope ladder I proposed as a solution to allow for safe travel overhead the traffic for wildlife were considered, they were deemed not possible due to site restraints.

However, the DTMR assures me that 600 metres of fauna exclusion fencing will be installed, and a fauna underpass will be developed to alternatively allow for safe crossing of wildlife under Old Cleveland Road.

Bulimba Creek Bikeway Tie In

I also made a suggestion for the construction of a tie in footbridge over Bulimba Creek on the southern side of Old Cleveland Road that would run parallel to the existing bridge, to be considered for future development.

Unfortunately, the bridge design information required for such a development is not available to accommodate for the implementation of a pedestrian bridge at this location.

Modred Street Footpath

A footpath from Modred Street to the north-eastern side of Old Cleveland Road was suggested, and I am delighted to confirm that this proposal has been accepted by Council to be included in the upgraded plans and design (see the left image).

A pathway connection in this location will allow for increased pedestrian access to Bedivere Street Bridge, thus allowing more efficient and improved access for pedestrians to Carindale Shopping Centre, avoiding potentially lengthy delays experienced at the alternative controlled crossings at surrounding intersections and slip lanes.

These improvements, along with the original upgrade plans, will provide some worthwhile improvements to both active and public transport in the eastern suburbs.

More direct access for pedestrians to Carindale Shopping Centre will be provided, improved methods for wildlife to safely travel through the project area, and increased safety for bicycle-users, pedestrians and on-road vehicles alike will be ensured.

I look forward to seeing the benefits of the Eastern Transitway completed as the project advances further.