City of Logan parents preparing for the back-to-school rush have got the green light with the completion of a $24 million intersection upgrade.
Traffic lights were today switched on at the Rochedale Road/Priestdale Road intersection in time for lessons to resume next week.
The Rochedale South intersection is a congestion hotspot and is used by nearly 20,000 motorists every day, with several nearby schools and businesses impacting traffic numbers.
Rochedale Road has now been widened to four lanes, and signalised pedestrian crossings feature on all approaches to the intersection.
Dedicated turning lanes, off-road shared paths and cycle lanes have also been installed.
The works were funded by the Australian Government and Logan and Brisbane councils.
City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said it was a win for two cities resulting in improved safety and traffic flows.
"I'm always supportive of working collaboratively with my fellow Council of Mayors colleagues to achieve positive outcomes for our respective cities," Cr Power said.
"This is an important piece of the road network in our city, used thousands of times every day. It's a win for all road users."
Division 1 Councillor Lisa Bradley said she had been advocating for the upgrade since 2006.
"I'm very grateful my fellow Councillor colleagues listened to my concerns on behalf of the community at the start of this term and approved Logan City Council's contribution," Cr Bradley said.
"I was a frequent flyer in Lord Mayor Schrinner's office when he was adjoining divisional Councillor.
"I am pleased both federal major political parties plus Brisbane City Council saw the significance this busy intersection upgrade was for the community. It is a great outcome."
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the intersection upgrade would be popular with motorists.
"By working closely together, our three governments have delivered this critical project which is exactly what motorists want to see," Cr Schrinner said.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the intersection upgrade would help to ease congestion.
"I've lived in this area most of my life and I went to school on this same road, so I know how dangerous and busy this roundabout could get during peak times and how badly it needed an upgrade," he said.
"I fought for this project while in Opposition and I'm proud to see it funded and now finished under our new federal Labor Government delivering for our community.
"About 19,200 vehicles pass through this intersection every day and it was often heavily congested, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times.
"This upgrade will keep our kids safer and cut commute times in our community and it's terrific to see it finished."
The project was funded by the Australian Government through the Urban Congestion Fund, with Brisbane City Council's Better Roads for Brisbane Program, and Logan City Council's Major Roads Upgrade program, jointly contributing the remaining cost.
