Mr Wettenhall said the decision to install the lights at the intersection was made after the results of a trial closure of the right-turn movement onto the highway, which concluded last week, and were assessed this week. "Main Roads conducted a three-month trial closure of the right-turn movement from Arnold Street onto the Captain Cook Highway in November 2008 as a short-term measure to improve safety at this intersection," Mr Wettenhall said.

"Main Roads monitored the intersection throughout the trial period and also sought feedback from motorists using the Captain Cook Highway, as well as businesses and residents in the vicinity of the intersection.

"I personally door knocked businesses in the area to seek their thoughts on how the trial was going. The overwhelming feedback given to me was a preference for traffic lights to be installed."

Mr Wettenhall said Main Roads had evaluated both the technical findings and community feedback it had obtained, then decided traffic signals would be installed as a long-term safety improvement measure.

In August 2008, the Federal Government's Member for Leichhardt, Jim Turnour MP, announced $540,000 funding to upgrade the Captain Cook Highway and Arnold Street intersection as part of its 2008-2009 Black Spot program.

Mr Turnour said, "I welcome the decision to install lights at this intersection and look forward to moving ahead with this project as quickly as possible."

"I would like to acknowledge the partnership between the Federal and State Government in achieving this outcome, in particular the work Steve Wettenhall has undertaken in recent months with local businesses and residents in the area."

Mr Wettenhall said design work for the intersection upgrade was underway and construction was planned to start in mid-2009, following the wet season.

"The closure of the right-turn movement from Arnold Street onto the highway will remain in place until construction commences on the long-term safety-improvement works at this intersection," he said.

On behalf of Main Roads, Mr Wettenhall thanked all motorists for their patience and cooperation throughout the trial period and asked for their continued patience while the safety improvement works were being carried out.