SUCCESS! ADVOCATING FOR IMPROVED PEDESTRIAN ACCESS:
By Kim Pilic

As an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, I relish opportunities to advocate for improved safety around pedestrian access. Last year, Kevin, a long term client, and I, had the opportunity to meet up with MP John-Paul Langbroek, regarding a pedestrian advocacy need. In particular, a major intersection upgrade in close proximity to where Kevin resides. I was delighted to receive the following (copied and pasted) email from Kevin during the week, which he received from the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Read on for the good news!

'Subject: Pedestrian Safety Improvements - Southport-Burleigh Road (Bermuda Street) and Markeri Street Intersection in Mermaid Waters
Dear Kevin, We are writing to inform you that Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will be improving pedestrian safety at the intersection of Southport–Burleigh Road (Bermuda Street) and Markeri Street in Mermaid Waters. TMR has received requests from residents, like yourself, asking for improved pedestrian facilities to allow pedestrians to cross the slip lanes safely. Funding has now been committed to undertake improvements which will include: Installation of signalised pedestrian crossings on all four slip lanes with push buttons for cyclists included at the new North-Western slip lane. Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSI) including upgrading the existing pram ramps Vegetation trimming/removal (including shrub and tree clearing on the South-East corner) to allow for motorists to have mandatory line-of-sight to the new pedestrian crossings. Planting of new shrubs/bushes to replace the screening that will be removed on the South-East corner. Installation of new static signage to alert motorists to the signals. Line marking for the new pedestrian crossings and minor adjustments to existing pedestrian crossing alignments Works are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2021 and continue for up to four months, weather and contractor conditions permitting. Works will mainly be undertaken during the evening between 7pm and 6am, Sunday to Friday, with some day works outside of peak travel times. Changed traffic conditions will apply, including intermittent lane reductions and reduced speed limits with traffic control in place. Motorists will be kept informed of traffic changes and timing of the works via electronic message signs, traffic alerts and updates on the department’s traffic and traveller information website www.QLDTraffic.qld.gov.au. Please find attached a flyer and project design drawing for your information. If you require more information about the project, please contact the South Coast office. Yours sincerely, Customer and Stakeholder Management Team for Andrew Wheeler Deputy Regional Director | South Coast Region Program Delivery and Operations | Infrastructure Management and Delivery | Department of Transport and Main Roads'