Port Douglas roadworks driving up frustration
CHANGED TRAFFIC
SECTIONS of the Port Douglas community have been left frustrated over a decision to conduct roadworks during the busy school holiday period.
Motorists are experiencing slight delays on Port Douglas Road (Davidson Street) due to works being carried out by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
Temporary traffic lights have been installed which is causing some build up at the intersection of Wharf and Davidson Street.
Local businessman Zac Sarnecki said he was disappointed with the timing of the repairs.
"Personally, I think that the whole roadwork situation each and every school holidays is an absolute joke," Sarnecki said, who is the director of Lake House Properties.
“I appreciate that the works need to be done, but some sort of planning to avoid key dates is of paramount importance.
“Business owners have several key months to make money each year, and tourists want to enjoy peace and quiet. If they wanted to get stuck in roadworks they could have just as easily stayed home and done that.”
The Victorian and New South Wales school holidays are in full swing from September 23 to October 8, while Queensland students aren’t expected back until October 3.
A spokesperson from TMR told Newsport they were aware of the importance of tourism in Port Douglas, and had consulted with Douglas Shire Council and ‘directly impacted’ businesses and residents on the roadworks in July.
They said construction was temporarily put on hold last week while material was sought to reinforce the lower level of pavement.
“We listened to feedback from locals and decided to delay the works as much as possible to reduce the impact on the tourism season while still allowing time to complete the works before the wet season,” the spokesperson said.
The Davidson Street works will involve excavating and replacing the existing pavement, and is expected to take 10 weeks to complete. It will include minor intersection improvements, asphalt surfacing and widening of the road to allow for bicycle lanes.
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