en.Wedoany.com Reported - The road upgrade project at the intersection of Mackay-Bucasia Road and Golf Links Road in Mackay, Queensland, Australia, has entered the detailed design phase and is expected to officially commence construction after the wet season ends in early 2027.
The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the Mackay Northern Beaches corridor, with a focus on improving intersection efficiency and reducing delays for commuters traveling between the Northern Beaches and Mackay. Concept design has been completed, and detailed design work is currently underway.
According to the proposed plan, traffic signals will be installed at all four entrances of the existing roundabout. The system will be equipped with closed-circuit television and queue detection sensors, which can automatically activate the signals during peak hours to manage high traffic volumes. Additionally, turning lanes are planned, including new turning lanes at the Mackay-Habana Road and Mackay-Bucasia Road northbound entrances, as well as an additional left-turn lane on Golf Links Road.
This intersection has become a major congestion point for Northern Beaches residents, with the corridor carrying significant commuter traffic to Mackay, particularly during peak hours. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli stated that congestion on Mackay-Bucasia Road has long troubled Northern Beaches residents, with families and commuters spending excessive time stuck in traffic daily. This upgrade is a crucial step in improving traffic flow on this key corridor and will provide a safer and more efficient commuting route for the growing Northern Beaches community.
The signalized roundabout will dynamically respond to the intersection's traffic patterns, which see significantly higher vehicle volumes during peak commuting hours compared to daytime. Acting Minister for Transport and Main Roads Sam O’Connor noted that this approach is tailored to the unique conditions of the site, where far more vehicles pass through the roundabout during commute times than during the day. While this is the first signalized roundabout in the Mackay region, such systems have been implemented across Australia and help maintain smooth traffic flow and alleviate congestion at busy roundabouts.
Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm stated that she has long advocated for upgrading this intersection and promised during the last election that the Crisafulli government would deliver on this goal. As detailed design progresses, the project team will continue to engage with key stakeholders to integrate traffic priorities across state and local government road networks. Construction is scheduled to begin after the wet season ends in early 2027.
