MP Kim Richards has turned the first sod in long awaited work on a $60 million Cleveland-Redland Bay Road.
Drainage pipes are at the site although no work on the intersection has started yet.
Redlands MP Kim Richards said road widening and fitting light signals at the Anita Street intersection would tackle congestion and safety issues, and help the 200 home owners on Anita Street.
"We are also improving safety for all users by installing a pedestrian crossing, upgrading footpaths and bike paths, and creating better links to public transport," she said.
Locals have spent more than 15 years campaigning for upgrades to Anita Street, with many announcements being made by the government that work was looming.
Redlands LNP candidate Henry Pike said Labor could turn as many sods as it liked, but until the government actually laid down some road surface it was nothing but empty promises.
"Labor promised the Anita Street intersection by last financial year, but now they aren't planning on starting actual construction work until at least 2021.
"The LNP will fully duplicate Cleveland-Redland Bay Road with a $100 million commitment.
"Without a full duplication, Anita Street lights will become another choke point on a road already congested beyond belief."
Ms Richards said the government would begin planning for work to duplicate the road north of the intersection.
"It's only the start of our plan for Cleveland Redland Bay Road duplication, busting congestion, improving safety and creating jobs on Redland roads," Ms Richards said.
"Local motorists will see plenty of action with trucks, road crews and traffic controllers on the ground ... and I ask everyone to be safe and drive to conditions.
"... This $60 million program will not only make sure we have better roads in Redlands, but also create a steady pipeline in construction jobs as we unite and recover from COVID-19."
Ms Richards said the project would provide 99 jobs and was part of a 10-year plan for Redland roads.
The Cleveland-Redland Bay Road project received an additional $15 million funding earlier as part of the government's $1 billion stimulus roads package.
"The LNP cut $600 million from Queensland's road budget, but Labor has restored funding and is getting on with the job of building better roads for Redlands.
"From day dot, locals told me they want better local roads, transport and jobs."
Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the project showed Labor's strong record of delivering for Redlands, unlike the LNP whose only record on roads was to cut funding, sack a quarter of TMR staff and waste more than $100 million trying to sell public assets.
"... How can you trust the LNP, (MP Andrew) Laming and Deb Frecklington to put Redlands and Queensland first when they've called for the borders to open 64 times since COVID-19."
For more information go to metropolitanregion@tmr.qld.gov.au or call 3066 4338.
