One of the Gold Coast’s most famous beachfront roads is set for a major overhaul following an increase in incidents between cars, cyclists and pedestrians.
City of Gold Coast has confirmed today Hedges Avenue in Mermaid Beach will be converted into a low-speed “cycle street” which will include limiting parts of the street to local access only and reducing traffic volume by up to 80%.
The project will also prioritise cyclist and pedestrian safety, improve footpaths and kerbs, and renew sections of road pavement in conjunction with essential underground service works.
Mayor Tom Tate said safety was the City’s number one priority and the project was an important first step towards improving movement through the Mermaid Beach coastal precinct.
“We won’t wait any longer. Detailed design is underway and works are expected to begin after the Gold Coast Marathon in July,” Mayor Tate said.
“These works will make Hedges Avenue safer for pedestrians, cyclists, residents and visitors, while also allowing the City to improve ageing underground infrastructure at the same time.
“This is also a critical first stage in progressing the Oceanway at Mermaid Beach and supporting a safer, more connected coastal pathway.”
Further details of the plan will be confirmed in early July.
“Residents and businesses will be kept informed as the design is finalised and before construction impacts commence,” Mayor Tate said.
Key elements of the project include:
- Closing the southern end of Hedges Avenue to through traffic
- Reducing traffic volumes by approximately 80% to less than 1,000 vehicles per day
- Installing concrete islands and local-access arrangements
- Introducing coloured pavement treatments to improve cyclist visibility
- Providing traffic calming and speed control measures
- Improving separation between pedestrian activity and cyclist movements
- Renewing road pavement in conjunction with watermain and water services works
- Repairing sections of existing footpath and kerb where required
