The Port Douglas roundabout construction is well on track for pre-Christmas completion, according to Member for Cook David Kempton.

“Yesterday I received advice from the Department that crews have completed the first phase of construction and are now forging ahead with phase two which involves switching traffic to the eastern side of the Captain Cook highway at the Port Douglas Road intersection,” Mr Kempton said.

“I am happy to see the project progressing so quickly and look forward to organising a meeting with community members to discuss future plans for the landscaping once construction has wrapped up.”

The latest news comes less than two months after Mr Kempton put a stop to construction of the roundabout’s original concrete centre, in response to community outcry.

As The Newsport reported on September 26, Douglas residents were up in arms after learning the centre of the roundabout would be concrete and absent of attractive tropical landscaping featured on many of the region’s existing roundabouts.

“I will continue to work with and listen to the community as this project develops but it is great to see it moving along so quickly,” Mr Kempton said.

In late September, Mr Kempton said a decision on landscaping the area would be made in the coming weeks, adding money saved from the cost of the concrete pour could go towards community consultation on landscaping and signage for the area.

The Newsport sought suggestions in July 2012 from the community on ideas on signage designs for the entrance to Port Douglas after years of going with a Welcome to Port Douglas sign. Read the article here.

Mr Kempton said the single lane closures, temporary traffic signals and speed limit reduction would remain in place to ensure safety for all road users and road workers.

“The restrictions to turning movements at the Port Douglas Road intersection will also remain in place and I urge motorists to be patient while this important work is wrapped up,” he said.