Darling footpath pathing a safer way to school
Date published: 5 October 2021
A popular route for school children will be made safer, with Townsville City Council building a new footpath along Darling Road in Jensen.
The pathway project, funded by the Queensland Government’s School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP) at a cost of $460,000, will run between Ironcove Ct and Veales Rd in Jensen and include drainage works, the widening of existing culverts and section of road to make way for a new bus stop, as well as a pedestrian refuge.
Infrastructure Services Committee chairperson Kurt Rehbein said the project would make the area safer for road users and pedestrians.
“Darling Road is quite a popular road for students heading to school at St Anthony’s Catholic College, and with the introduction of this new footpath, it will increase safety by allowing people to stay off the shoulder of the road when walking, especially during the wetter months,” Cr Rehbein said.
“The new footpath will cover about 450m and the project will be completed by Council’s construction crews during the next nine weeks, weather permitting.”
Cr Rehbein said the footpath project also includes the widening of existing culverts, relocation of an existing bus stop and the installation of a pedestrian refuge on Veales Rd.
“As our city grows and, in this case, our northern suburbs, it’s vital we’re able to upgrade existing infrastructure within the scope of the project, such as the bus stop, and include infrastructure to improve safety, such as a pedestrian refuge.
“Council owns and maintains more than 540km of footpaths, which make up the active transport network across our city, so it’s always fantastic to be able to add to this network and keep our pedestrians off the road and out of harm’s way.
“I’d like to acknowledge the Department of Transport and Main Roads for the funding of this project, which truly shines a light on the safety of our school children getting to and from school.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was pleased to support initiatives that keep school kids safe.
“We know school students are vulnerable around our roads,” Mr Bailey said.
“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government has committed $20 million towards the School Transport Infrastructure Program.
“This funding has been crucial in securing new traffic signals, “stop, drop and go” zones, car park modifications, footpaths, bus and vehicle turnaround areas, pedestrian crossings and dedicated turning lanes at Queensland schools.
“We’ve also put flashing signs at more than 1,100 school zones since 2012.
"Speeding remains one of the leading causes of crashes in this state and it is vital we do what we can to protect our vulnerable students.
“That’s why we’re also rolling out new speed camera technology targeting speeding drivers in school zones later this year.”
