New Signalised Intersection - Sumner and Dandenong Intersection.

Most of you would have had first hand experiences with the Sumner Road and intersection alterations that were commissioned on Thursday, 29 September, 2011.  Unfortunately, to keep a corridor open for cyclists, the removal of the medium strip of the replaced bikeway crossing could not be done prior to the signalised intersection being made operative. When this island is removed and three west-bound lanes established at this bottleneck there, it should be safer and some improvements in vehicular traffic flow in this westerly direction, with minor delays and inconvenience to cyclists.

If traffic is still queued at this location, motorists can relax and view the new garden that is to be planted in the medium strip.

The supposed state of the art signalised system that was installed at the intersection still can’t cope with peak time east-bound traffic, and different delays and inconveniences are occurring at this location and vary depending on the direction of approach from either Andaman or Sumner Road, and by time of day or night.

Last week many motorists were so frustrated in their approach along Sumner Road, that they crossed the grassed medium strip and retraced their route to seek an alternative way to work.  The new intersection signals have vastly improved the safety factor with entry and departure to the Caltex garage.  Safety for pedestrians crossing at this intersection is a definite big plus.

While the intersection is much safer 24/7, the new delays in off peak times can be a little frustrating.  The controlled surge release of traffic from Sumner Road has created incidences of traffic queuing at the Horizon Drive / Dandenong Road intersection.  We all have comparisons to make and hopefully with some sequencing fine tuning of the lights, improvements in traffic flow may still happen. 

Regardless of the above, the real issue still lies with the queuing that results for east-bound motorists at the single lane bridge over the Centenary Motorway.  This problem location should have been addressed first by DMR and possibly the removal of the roundabout in favour of intersection lights at Sumner/Dandenong may not have been necessary – now we will never know.  With the assistance of a 1000 signature petition that JRA provided to our State Member for Mt Ommaney, Mrs J Attwood, the present State Government has pledged to have the bridge duplicated. However under this commitment, motorists will have to endure the bottleneck or continue to seek an alternative route until probably 2014/15.  In the mean time JRA has made suggestions to DMR for a band aid solution to aide the flow of east bound traffic at the western roundabout.   We still await the outcome of our proposal (see previous website report).

With the State elections (must be held before June 2012) pending, the JRA executive has also verbally lodged with the Liberal/ National candidate Mrs.Tania Smith, that finding a solution to Sumner Road congestion and upgrade of the Centenary/Western Motorways are two of the most pressing local State issues in the electoral district of Mt Ommaney.  Once JRA knows who will be standing for State elections in the minor parties, these two issues will also be presented to them.  Hopefully, before the election date, their respective party leaders will make a commitment to fund solutions to both issues.

Missing Sound Barrier Update.

As a result of 20 residents’ response to the noise impact of their residence caused by the sound barrier that was taken down near Mitre10, JRA has lodged a request with the State Minister for Transport and Main Roads and MP for Mt Ommaney, Mrs J Attwood, for investigation work to conducted to seek a solution.

JRA correspondence sent to Minister responsible for  Main Roads:

Hon Craig Wallace MP

Minister for Main Roads, Fisheries and Marine Infrastructure

PO Box 15456

Brisbane East Qld 4002

15 September, 2011

Dear Mr Wallace,

As President of Jamboree Residents Association (JRA), I contact you regarding very disruptive traffic noise that is being generated from the Centenary Motorway.  This noise impacts on the quality of life of Jamboree Heights’ residents residing mainly in the Galleon, Poseidon, Marconi and Schooner Streets.

At the suggestion of Mt Ommaney MP, Mrs Julie Attwood, JRA conducted a very detailed survey amongst these residents to determine if we had the grounds to proceed with an approach to DMR.

The Executive of JRA now thinks we do.  Find attached a copy of the survey that was printed and circulated only to residences within the designated survey area.

The survey refers to a 60 metre section of sound barrier that was taken down in 2000 as a trade off sale condition set by AMP Finance when DMR purchased two small parcels of their shopping centre land to locate off-ramps for the Centenary Bikeway.

14 of the15 residences that replied indicated various degrees of noise disturbance from minor to major, for varying times of day and night, weather conditions and in various sections of their homes.

At the request of JRA, DMR conducted noise tests in four locations in Jamboree Heights in November 2009.  While JRA is not privy to the exact noise level readings obtained from these findings, we were informed that remedial noise abatement action would not be required until 2019 on past traffic density growth. 

As you are aware, with the upgrades to the Sumner Park/Darra end of the Centenary Motorway and the Ipswich Motorway, traffic volumes have increased greatly in the last 18 months.   With the creation of the Legacy Tunnels, Jamboree Residents can expect more heavy vehicular activity as the Centenary Motorway is the route between the tunnel portals and a large supply depot to be located at Wacol. 

With all of this in mind, JRA ask that you initiate through your department, noise monitoring once again at some of these locations to determine the decibel readings that affected residents are now enduring.  Please note: most survey respondents have indicated their willingness to donate their premises for a location site for test equipment.

If you reply favourably to this request for immediate remedial action, at the same time would it be possible to test the efficiency of the remaining sound barrier wall along the eastern side of Jamboree Heights. The timber has dried out over the years that it has been installed and it is probable that its noise abatement quality has been compromised.

Centenary Motorway Upgrades

JRA as petitioners for the Sumner Road/Centenary Motorway flyover duplication and Centenary Motorway upgrades were notified by yourself that action was to be taken to prepare the Centenary/Western Motorways for the expected traffic increase with the completion of the Legacy Tunnels in 2014.  JRA has since noted that in the 2011/12 State Budget, funding has been allocated for Western/Centenary Motorways traffic studies and planning.

Is DMR in a position to report on what actions are in progress?

Correspondence to be lodged at the Mt Ommaney Electoral Office of Mrs Attwood:

• Two pieces of correspondence in 2000 between AMP Finance solicitors and DMR re conditions of removal of a 60m section of Centenary Motorway noise abatement barrier.
• Details of 15 JRA survey respondents - this are still ongoing.
• Copy of Survey questions.
• Picture of the capped sound barrier footings which until 2009 supported the removed noise abatement wall.
• DMR notifications of 2009 noise reading results.

While JRA is appreciative of the current State Governments commitment to upgrade the Centenary Motorway flyover at Sumner Road for residents and business people of the southern section of the Centenary Estates, addressing the noise issues created by the missing sound barrier in a smaller section of Jamboree Heights would be most appreciated.

Thank you for your time and assistance with this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Wayne Williams

President JRA

CC:  Mrs Julie Attwood (State Member for Mt Ommaney)

JRA await a response to this request.

**Breaking news**

DMR have initiated the monitoring of traffic noise generated on the Centenary Motorway in five locations in the Centenary Suburbs –two sites in Jindalee – two sites in Sinnamon Park – one site in Andaman Street Jamboree Heights.

This monitoring occurred on a Monday & Tuesday (10-11 October, 2011).  At this time we do not believe the monitoring is a result of the JRA request to DMR re the missing sound barrier behind Mitre 10, but more general studies pertaining to existing noise levels for the Centenary suburbs and any future upgrades to the Centenary Motorway.  DMR has already budgeted $2M for the upgrade of the sound barrier along the northern end of Sinnamon Park.

JRA’S MEETS WITH DEPT MAIN ROADS 

TRAFFIC LANE PROPOSAL OF THE WESTERN ROUNDABOUT OF SUMNER ROAD BRIDGE.

On the 5th August JRA executives met with DMR Assets and Operations engineers to discuss temporary measures to give the east bound traffic of Sumner Road greater priority of entry. The present design of this roundabout will govern traffic flows until the bridge duplication work is completed – possibly as long as 2014/15.

JRA expressed concerns that the replacement of the roundabout for a signalized Sumner/Dandenong intersection presently being constructed by BCC may further hinder east bound peak time traffic flows.  JRA proposed that:

• Directional lane arrows be painted on the road of each of the 2 west bound lanes that emerge from the existing Sumner Road Bridge. The inner lane will only be for vehicles attempting to gain northerly access to the Centenary Mtw. The outer lane will only be for vehicles wishing to continue west along Sumner Road.

• JRA also expressed concerns that when BCC finish the Sumner Road project, 3 lanes of east bound traffic from Dandenong Road will have to merge into the cental lane before the roundabout. i.e. the new lane that will be created by the removal of the dividing island will have to do a left merge prior to the location of the existing bikeway crossing. This added merging may hinder free passage for motorists wishing to join the north bound on-ramp to the Centenary Motorway.

• When the island that contains the bikeway crossing is removed and relocated to the new signalized Dandenong /Sumner Rd intersection, there will be room for 3 lanes of west bound traffic at this location before separating into 4 lanes.  JRA inquired if the motorists coming from the Centenary Motorway off-ramp will be allocated a separate lane to avoid the existing dangerous merge that presently exists on a curve.

In relation to the first point, DMR were concerned that by restricting west bound traffic to only one lane at the roundabout that it would cause traffic to back up over the bridge towards the roundabout on the Darra side and would or could not authorize the painting of directional arrows on the lane surfaces but proposed an alternative road side mounted signage solution.  Find below the official reply report of this meeting.

On Friday 5th August Representatives from the Department listened to JRA’S concerns (as described above) and agreed to explore a number of measures designed to improve east bound traffic flows at the western roundabout. This meeting was held at the office and in the presence of Mt Ommaney MP, Mrs Julie Attwood.  Potential measures like directional signs and road markings will be investigated and, if determined to be safe and beneficial, implemented at the earliest opportunity. The Department will undertake an analysis after the implementation of any new measures to determine their effectiveness. Outcomes will be reported back to the JRA executives and to Mrs Attwood’s office. See below for a copy of their response:

  A Dandenong Road Pedestrian Crossing and Intersection Option

for Sirocco Street/Central Avenue/Dandenong Road Intersection

Recently Cr Bourke has publicised in the local newspaper and letterbox drop his desire to correct pedestrian and traffic issues at the above intersection and is open to public input.  A few JRA members, who had input into a traffic committee that was formed in 2009 to prioritise the traffic needs for Jamboree Heights, have made enquiries with the Executive.  Below are some of the issues that could be considered.  

PLEASE NOTE:

• A plan of this option is provided in this article. 

• These are the facts consider by, and the opinions of JRA president, Mr.Wayne Williams, who has been present at all official meetings between JRA and Cr Bourke.  The JRA executive encourages members to look into the issues for themselves and determine their own thoughts and opinions.

What are the difficulties and dangers for motorists and pedestrians at this location?

• Vehicles turning right into Dandenong Road from Sirocco Street – very dangerous. It is difficult for Sirocco Street motorists to determine in which lane the Dandenong Road north bound traffic is travelling. Many motorists avoid this course and now depart by using the Andaman Street route. Sirocco Street is narrow at this location and motorists wishing to turn left are often blocked by motorists that are having difficulty turning right and not over far enough.

• Vehicles turning right into Dandenong Road from Central Ave – very dangerous. Many motorists from Central Parklands avoid this course and exit via the narrow Patrol Street.

• Pedestrians crossing Dandenong Road either way – extremely dangerous.

• Vehicles turning right into Sirocco Street from Dandenong Road– danger to a lesser degree. Most motorists do not stop at the required line and block the Sirocco traffic which has right-of-way from entering.

• Vehicles crossing from Sirocco to Central Ave and visa versa – extremely dangerous but not that common.

What impact has the expansion of Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre and new traffic lights on Dandenong Road at Kentucky Fried had at the Sirocco St. intersection?

• Increased patronage to the Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre has resulted in increased traffic volumes along Dandenong Road.- NEGETIVE for Jamboree Residents

• The generous light sequence for traffic entering and departing AMP at the Kentucky Fried lights has attracted motorists away from using the rear entry at Andaman Street and Galleon Street. The volume of traffic using Andaman Street since the extensions has increased slightly but has reduced as a percentage of the increased total of vehicular traffic to AMP.- POSITIVE for Jamboree residents

• The Kentucky lights create slight pauses in south bound traffic flow past the Sirocco St intersection which gives the opportunity for a motorist turning right out of Sirocco Street to gain entry but these lights have no similar effect on the north bound traffic flows. To be caught in the middle is highly dangerous – POSITIVE and NEGETIVE

• Service trucks now rarely use Andaman Street – POSITIVE for Jamboree residents.

• Jamboree Heights motorist (from east of Dandenong Road) desiring to travel north towards Jindalee and beyond have an alternative exit route through AMP to avoid the Sirocco Street intersection. Many motorists take this chosen route in preference to using the Sirocco Street entry or the clogged Sumner Road route.– SLIGHTLY NEGETIVE BUT POSITIVE.

• Greater traffic volumes have increased the dangers for pedestrians to cross over Dandenong Road – bus commuters – school children – shoppers – HIGHLY NEGETIVE for Jamboree pedestrians and residents along Dandenong Road.

• With the addition of the Kentucky lights with their generous entry and departure sequence, close to the Arrabri lights, Dandenong Road through traffic now experience delays. If the proposed new light sequencing to free up Dandenong Road incontinences the entry and departure of shoppers, the Andaman entry point could be in jeopardy. HIGHLY NEGETIVE for Andaman and Galleon Street residents and internal pedestrians.

Other known facts pertaining to the Sirocco St./Central Av./ Dandenong Rd. intersection.

• The developers of Central Parklands contributed greatly to BCC for the cost of the last intersection upgrade. Home buyers in Central Parklands were charged a significant amount per block to offset this cost.

• The entries into and out off Central Parklands are far superior to those of Jamboree Heights residents – except their south bound exit to Dandenong Road. Central Parklands was allocated a 10 car turn lane in Dandenong road at the expense of a wide centre island in Dandenong Road which could have been used as a halfway safety zone for pedestrians.

• Central Parklands was built on a parcel of land that was once promoted by State Government to be the location of a hospital. The land was then sold to BCC who on-sold it to developers to create Central Parkland. At the time this land transfer and loss of scarce parkland infuriated many Jamboree residents as they lost a well utilized dog walking location.

• This intersection and the Andaman entry to Mt Ommaney shopping centre will be the only 2 vehicular entries to one of the 2 parcels of land in Jamboree Heights (north of Galleon Street) that has been re-classified for low-medium density dwellings under the Centenary Neighbourhood Plan. While the financial climate is not suitable at present for developers, one day this will happen and higher traffic volumes will be an outcome.

History of JRA conversations with Cr Bourke pertaining to the Intersection.

JRA executive has had several talks with Cr Bourke since 2009 re the intersection problems and identified a safer pedestrian crossing as one of the most pressing issues of Jamboree Heights.  At various meetings the JRA Executive was informed of the following:

• Initially the intersection was too close to the crest of the hill (at Loffs Road) to install a roundabout, traffic lights or a set of stand alone Pedestrian lights.

• Cr Bourke quite correctly predicted that once the Kentucky lights were installed “rat running” traffic accessing Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre via the rear entry at Andaman Street entry via Galleon Street, would desist.

• If lights could be installed, land resumptions would be required from the Sirocco Street shopping centre car park to create a left turn lane into Sirocco Street.  Recently the footpath in this location has been widened.

• If stand alone pedestrian lights were to be installed they would have to be down as far as the Vet surgery.

• It was agreed that this location might suit the laneway to Central Parklands at this location but it would of inconvenient use to Jamboree Heights and Middle Park school children and bus commuters. Since this time a pedestrian walkway has been placed through Lorikeet Park for Central Parkland residents to access the shopping centre.

• A non-signalised pedestrian crossing could not be installed at the crest of Dandenong Road (near Loffs Road) because of poor visibility.

• 12 months ago the Executive was informed that the funding of the intersection upgrade was prioritised at about 130th in Brisbane.

Conclusion

The eastern half of Jamboree Heights has seen infrastructure projects completed since Cr Bourke was installed in 2008 and the evolution of JRA in 2009.  Many have been long over due and singular residents have requested them without success for many years.  These include: footpaths for the full length of Sirocco and Masthead Street; the footpath widening of a section of Dandenong Road from Medical Centre to Spinnaker Street; the resurfacing of Galleon, Schooner, Sirocco and Haran Streets;  the posting of 40k/h in Andaman Street; the planting of the island chicane at the bottom of Ebrill Street;  intersection line painting.

It is refreshing news to hear that if the intersection is to receive $15,000 in traffic study funding, Cr Bourke has had the project prioritized much higher.  If there is to be a traffic study conducted by BCC traffic engineers, will the preferred choices of the public be considered prior to design plans being presented?

Your executive presents a potential, partial- signalised solution that will improve the right hand turning; provide a safer pedestrian cross; protect the Andaman Street entry point from increased traffic; and minimises the effect on traffic flows along Andaman Street.