Motorists are gradually becoming accustomed to the changed traffic conditions at a busy Bundaberg intersection.
Traffic lights were installed at the intersection of Branyan Drive, Dittmann Road and Avoca Road in December to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and visually impaired members of the public.
Bundaberg Regional Council divisional representative Cr Steve Cooper said the installation of traffic lights on Branyan Drive had significantly increased the safety of all road users.
However, he added that since the opening of the intersection, Council has received several enquiries from the public highlighting that the intersection’s inherently unique configuration meant it was still the cause of some uncertainty among road users.
“There is confusion among motorists turning left from Dittmann Road into Branyan Drive and left from Avoca Road into Branyan Drive because motorists performing the manoeuvres find themselves faced with red lights at the pedestrian crossing,” Cr Cooper said.
He added that the intersection should be negotiated the same as any other under Queensland road rules.
“It is up to motorists turning left from Dittmann Road into Branyan Drive to continue to move through the crossing provided it is not in use by pedestrians at the time,” he said.
To reduce confusion for motorists, Council will this week implement measures to reduce the visibility of the lights for motorists turning left from Dittmann Road into Branyan Drive while retaining full visibility for those already on Branyan Drive.
Council asks motorists to be patient as road users grow more comfortable with using the new intersection and will continue to monitor the intersection after the this week's changes.
Re Branyan/Dittman/Avoca roads intersection. The crossing, when turning left from Dittman is not at the intersection itself but two or more car lengths along Branyan Drive. A RED light at a pedestrian crossing is a RED light. Traffic must stop whether anybody is using the crossing or not.