Traffic and pedestrian flow in Airlie Beach Main Street will experience a change from December 1, with the Whitsunday Regional Council beginning a six-month trial of pedestrian crossings along Airlie Beach Main Street.
The trials will see four pedestrian crossings across Airlie Beach Main Street.
There will be one in front of NAB Bank, a second at the Magnums crossing, a third on the Esplanade and a fourth in front of Airlie Beach Hotel.
Planter boxes will be erected at the former crossing points, in order to mitigate confusion, prevent people crossing where they don’t have priority and balance traffic.
Speed bumps will also be placed at the entrance of Airlie Beach Main Street at the north end, as well as a left turn only exit out of central car park, beside the lagoon.
Mayor Julie Hall said Council is developing an overarching Airlie Beach Masterplan and this six-month pedestrian crossing trial will capture key information that will help inform an ultimate streetscaping solution for the Main Street.
“During the six-month trial Council will be capturing direct formal and informal feedback from all users to help identify what works and what doesn’t work so we can utilise this information for future considerations for the Airlie Beach Masterplan to be developed in 2024.
Mayor Hall said that Council’s focus was on planning for the future and this trial aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance Airlie Beach's streetscape infrastructure and safety measures.
“We want to develop a solution that creates a pedestrian-friendly town for all ages and abilities, supports local businesses and our community and encourages safer speeds for drivers in the Main Street precinct.”
Pedestrian crossings to be trialled in Airlie Beach. Photo supplied
