FAQ

The B52 Kings Highway (B52) is a state highway and main transport link that carries both passenger and heavy vehicles including B-doubles. The existing intersection is a standard uncontrolled t-intersection that at times can experience significant delays. Those delays cause significant congestion during holiday periods as residents of Queanbeyan and Canberra travel to and from the South Coast.

The proposal is to replace the current intersection of Molonglo and Malbon Sts with a single lane roundabout. The roundabout will improve the flow of traffic and safety of pedestrians and cyclists by providing pedestrian refuges in the centre of the road. Roundabouts aim to reduce approach speeds, guide vehicles through the turn movements and remove unprotected right turns. These elements all aim to reduce vehicle crash rates typically more common at t-intersection treatments.

The design must cater for a 25m B-double vehicle on all roundabout legs to support both existing and future development in Bungendore. It is expected that the sealing of the remainder of Nerriga Rd will see this route carry increased freight traffic.

The future development includes the Bungendore Sports hub and associated amenities, therefore both cycle and pedestrian movements are to be incorporated into the design. Kerb ramps will be provided on the approach to the roundabout to give cyclists the opportunity to link with the off-road facility.

Recent communication with residents and site observations indicate that current stormwater drainage along Molonglo Street is inefficient with localised ponding occurring. Improvement to the drainage network will be incorporated into the works.

Council expects to award a contract for this project in January-March 2019. Actual construction will commence in May 2019, unless unexpected delays occur, and is expected to take 5-6 months to complete (weather permitting). Work on existing underground service may occur prior to 1 May 2019.

QPRC is aiming to design the temporary traffic control plan in such a way that a single lane in both direction can be always maintained on the intersection during the actual construction period. There may be short delays and/or detours during crucial times in construction 

Noise and dust from construction will be monitored and controlled according to environmental standards. Some of the methods will include the use of a water cart, regular road sweep, regular servicing and monitoring construction vehicle along with management of working hours.

If long periods of significant noise are expected, we will make contact with nearby residents and business operators.

Currently, the project is estimated to cost $2.5m As the design progresses, this price may be adjusted. Council has been provided with a grant from the NSW Government to fund construction. When the design is finalised an accurate cost will be developed.

We need to ensure that the roundabout is designed to cater for all users including trucks, buses, pedestrians, cyclists and others. The appearance of the roundabout has also been raised as a priority and along with community feedback, Council staff will be meeting with the Bungendore Town Environs Committee to discuss the landscaping plans and look of the final product.

The draft design currently proposes that the grass verge leading up to the roundabout will be reinstated. The draft design does not include landscaping in the centre of the roundabout noting the significant workplace health and safety issues related to maintenance of the centre island. Noting the significant traffic volumes at this single lane roundabout, any closures required to allow maintenance would mean detour of the significant HV traffic (13%) volumes through both Ellendon st and Gibraltar st. Council staff will be meeting with the Bungendore Town Environs Committee to discuss landscaping solutions on this project as well as considering submissions put forward by residents.