Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt has been approached by the Edmonton District Traders Association to look at a pedestrian crossing at the Bruce Highway and Robert Road intersection.

“There are pedestrian crossings as part of the lights at Anderson Road, Foster Road and Mill Road, but none at Robert Road,” said Mr Pitt.

“It’s my understanding that the most recent pedestrian data for this location was taken in November 2008 and at that time low pedestrian volumes were recorded.

[singlepic id=497 w=320 h=240 float=left] However there has been a change in the number and types of businesses operating around Swallow Road and Hargreaves Street, including Choi Kwang Do classes and a new fitness centre that provides a childcare service. This means more mums and more prams crossing the road, and staff from the 51st Battalion are frequently observed crossing the busy highway.

“As it’s been five years since this was last looked at, I support the Edmonton District Traders Association and would like to see a new pedestrian count undertaken by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

“Cairns Regional Council’s CairnsPlan sets out its planning intentions over the next 10 to 15 years and important roads like Robert Road and Mill Road have been identified as high priorities,” Mr Pitt said.

“Neither Robert Road or Mill Road are state-controlled but I’ve had many residents tell me they’re keen to hear more information about the extent and scheduling of works by Council.

Mr Pitt said he also wants to work closely with Cairns Regional Council to improve the internal road networks of Bentley Park and Edmonton to improve traffic flows and safety for residents.

“With Edmonton Town Centre coming on-stream in coming years and the vehicular traffic use on the road growing, detailed planning for these roads should start right away.

“Council in particular should give consideration to bringing forward the planned extension of Logomeir Road to Walker Road.

“The need for Logomeir Road as a link road is well known and many local residents have contacted me asking if this extension can be fast-tracked.

“Cairns Regional Council needs to provide clear information to the community about the project now.”

Mr Pitt said he was heartened that this year’s Labor federal budget which locked in $4.1 billion over ten years included funding for the next stage of the Cairns Bruce Highway upgrade – widening of the section between Robert and Foster roads.