MOUNT Cotton Road will receive a $1.5 million boost, with the state government announcing it will start planning for long-awaited upgrades this year.
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The notorious road has come under fire from locals in recent times after a series of crashes, with calls for lights to be put in at busy intersections and four-lanes built to improve safety.
Politicians have also weighed in, with Oodgeroo MP Mark Robinson warning late last year that the sounds of sirens were becoming more frequent and peak-hour congestion was climbing.
In 2021, there were 274 fatalities from crashes on Queensland roads, which is four fewer than in the previous year.
This was 26 more than the previous five-year average.
Upgrade plans come less than two years after a teenager was left in a serious condition in a car and mini-bus crash on Mount Cotton Road at Capalaba.
In June 2021, a petition called for traffic lights at the Mount Cotton Road and Double Jump Road intersection, which received 800 signatures in the first week alone.
The planning study is set to look at improving intersections and increasing capacity to improve traffic flow, efficiency and safety.
Springwood MP Mick de Brenni said $1.5 million would be spent on upgrade planning, which had been brought on by Mount Cotton's rising population.
"Mount Cotton Road is a key connector for this community, so we need to make sure the project delivers the best outcome for everyone who uses the road," he said.
"This funding commitment is the result of community advocacy following a series of incidents and I'd like to acknowledge the input of local residents, local government officers and Queensland police officers.
"We expect planning will be complete in 2023, with future stages of the project to be advised down the line."
Locals will get the chance to comment on the project in mid-2022, after the government completes technical design studies.
The planning will be for an upgrade between Sheldon and Mount Cotton.
Capalaba MP Don Brown said community consultation had been key to identifying design changes.
"We initially consulted with the community on upgrades between the Duncan Road and Double Jump Road intersections, but from the feedback received we saw the need to extend the project from Duncan Road to Ney Road," he said.
"This planning will also include Duncan Road to the Taylor Road intersection."
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