Aitkenvale project boosts bus access

Townsville City Council is upgrading a busy Aitkenvale street to make it more accessible for buses serving two nearby schools.

Council is upgrading a roundabout and laying more than 700 metres of asphalt on Thompson Street, which runs along the side of the Cathedral School and the Townsville Community Learning Centre.

Deputy Mayor and Infrastructure Services Committee chairperson Mark Molachino said the project was reshaping the intersection.

“Thompson Street is very busy at peak drop-off and pick-up times and this upgrade will make the area a lot better for school buses,” Cr Molachino said.

“Council staff are cutting back a large pavement roundabout and remodelling it so the streets are more accessible.

“The roundabout upgrade really improves access to Townsville Community Learning Centre – a variety of buses take students with disabilities to and from the school each day.

“Most of the work will be completed during the school holidays and the project is scheduled to be finished before students return next year, weather permitting.

“Crews will be on site for six working weeks laying 730 metres of asphalt and 200 metres of kerb and channel.”

Councillor Molachino said the project is great for the community and the economy.

“Cathedral and the Townsville Community Learning Centre cater for students from prep to year 12 so there is a lot of traffic on Thompson Street,” Cr Molachino said.

“These works are supporting 10 Council jobs and creating more work for local contractors so it is great for the economy.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the Federal Government’s support so I’d like to thank them for funding this project through the Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program.

“I am sure bus drivers and parents will be pleased when they see the finished product in January.”