The Department of Main Roads is standing by the limitations it has placed on the Port Douglas entrance roundabout project, saying they are for the safety of motorists. 

Following the largely negative community reaction to the low-set, concrete-only designs to the roundabout Project, Newsport asked Main Roads to justify their restrictions when other roundabouts in the area, such as the Kewarra Beach turnoff roundabout, feature trees in their central circle. 

Main Roads responded by pointing out that the Port Douglas entrance roundabout is smaller than most of the others on the Captain Cook Highway and only features one lane, and that its restrictions on the Port Douglas roundabout are designed to maximise visibility and minimise traffic disruption from lane closures for maintenance. 

“We make no apologies for having strict guidelines in place to protect the lives of motorists,” a Main Roads spokesperson said. 

“To prevent a serious accident from occurring due to poor visibility, certain types of vegetation are restricted from being used on the Port Douglas roundabout.

“Maintenance of vegetation on the roundabout would also require a lane closure which would impact traffic.

“Port Douglas is a smaller sized roundabout and therefore the restrictions are different to some roundabouts on the Captain Cook Highway that are large and multi-laned.”

What do you think?

Is it better to have a small concrete-only sculpture in the roundabout to maximise safety or does Port Douglas deserve an entrance statement with greenery?

Leave a comment below.