A safer trip through the Maynard, Kensington and Miller Streets intersection is on the horizon with Bundaberg Regional Council set to deliver road upgrades focused on safety and accessibility.
The project includes a range of enhancements designed to slow traffic, improve turning movements and make it safer for pedestrians to cross the road.
The upgrades, funded by the Australian Government’s Black Spot program, are being undertaken in response to several crashes that have occurred at the intersection.
Roads and Infrastructure (Urban) portfolio spokesperson Cr Larine Statham-Blair said the work would make a real difference for locals who use the intersection every day.
“This is a particularly busy area with nearby schools and community facilities, which means local traffic and pedestrians are all sharing the space,” Cr Statham-Blair said.
“With slower speeds, a dedicated right turn lane and crossing points that give priority to pedestrians, these works will help reduce risk and make day-to-day travel safer for everyone.”
Construction will begin mid-late January with the project expected to be finished by early March 2026, weather permitting.
Once complete the intersection will include:
- A concrete traffic island to stop vehicles entering Maynard Street from Kensington Street.
- A dedicated right-turn lane from Maynard Street into Miller Street.
- A raised section of road to slow vehicles through the intersection.
- A new pedestrian crossing on Miller Street.
Cr Statham-Blair said the changes were based on improving safety and reducing confusion for drivers.
“These are practical, common-sense upgrades that aim to reduce the impact that traffic crashes and road trauma have on our community,” she said.
Traffic changes during construction:
- Maynard Street and Miller Street will remain open.
- Kensington Street (between Brown Street and Maynard Street) will be closed to through traffic during construction.
- Once works are complete there will be no access from Kensington Street onto Maynard Street.
Traffic controllers and signage will be in place to guide motorists safely through the area.
“We know roadworks can be frustrating and we really appreciate everyone’s patience,” Cr Statham-Blair said.
“Our contractors will do everything they can to keep disruption to a minimum while delivering a safer outcome for the community.”
Construction timeframes:
During the day: 6.30 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday
At night (when required): 5.30 pm to 6 am
Motorists are encouraged to slow down, follow traffic directions and allow a little extra travel time while works are underway.
What happened to sims road and Harvey street
As a long term Kensington Street resident close to this intersection we access Maynard Street numerous times a day, as do hundreds of others.
While I agree that safety upgrades are long overdue, closing access from Kensington Street will only address part of the problem and shift it to Faldt Street and others. The line up of cars trying to exit Faldt Street, especially at certain times like school drop off etc, will create further safety issues there.
There has been no local community consultation about this work and the first anybody knew of it was a notice this week in our letter box. What other options were discussed?
When traffic roads become popular widening should be the practice not closing roads to suit insufficient redesign and low cost budgeting to mitigate poor driving. Wouldn’t it be great to see the design and if it meets Austroads principles for major routes in Bundaberg.
Gosh do these councilors actually drive down these roads at anytime? Never ceases to amaze me the decisions those in power have. Praise them where praise is due. Severely bag them when they make stupid decisions.
making kensignton street left turn only isnt a silly idea. but the idea of a raised area is bloody stupid. want to reduce traffic speeds set a lower speed limit. it wouldnt be a issue if maynard st became 50kmh all the way to enterprise st
it is a major road. it’s actually a heavy vehicle route and is access for the industrial estate and the food park
Omg. Slowing traffic again with these insufferable bumps. That isnt the solution. Look at Commercial st, just so annoying and makes crossing harder.