General Information:

Queensland has hundreds of traffic signals across the entire state. In selected locations, they are managed by local government agencies. Those areas include:

Brisbane City Council ¹

Logan City Council ²

Sunshine Coast Regional Council ³

Rockhampton Regional Council ⁴

Bundaberg Regional Council ⁵

Council of the City of Gold Coast ⁶

Toowoomba Regional Council ⁷

Gympie Regional Council ⁸

Outside of the areas listed, they are controlled by each council and outside the those jurisdictions, they are controlled by the Department of Main Roads (QMR). In 2008, both systems were integrated under the one computer system (using a program called STREAMS) for a more streamlined form of traffic management. ⁹

A group within QMR, called Transmax was formed from the Intelligent Transport Systems Development Branch of the Department of Main Roads. Since 1969 that group has been supporting road network operators through the provision of intelligent transport products, systems and services to maximise transport system performance. The actual installation and design of traffic signal setups in performed by a group within QMR called RoadTek. ⁹

During the 1960s, the signals in the Brisbane City Council area would switch from normal phasing to flashing amber overnight. ¹⁰

This section focuses on traffic signal equipment installed prior to 1980, and features devices used within QLD. All the signals on this page have been replaced with modern equipment.

Pedestrian Signals:

Illuminated Pedestrian Call Button:

Typical old style cast metal light up pedestrian call button. When the button is pressed 'CALL RECORDED' lights up within the red screen. Image taken 2006.

Image © Trent Thomson

Traffic Lanterns:

Eagle Signal:

This signal is an original 1970s model by Eagle. Located on the corner of Pacific Motorway (then Metroad 3), Marshall Road (State Route 11) and Bapaume Road (State Route 10) at Tarragindi. Note the old cast metal pedestrian call button. February 2002.

Image © Paul Rands

Long Mast Arm:

This mast arm was a common sight around Queensland. This mast arm features what are likely to be original AWA or Eagle signal heads. Taken on the corner of Burbong Street and Moggill Road Indooroopilly, February 2002.

Image © Paul Rands

Short Mast Arm:

This mast arm was a common sight around Queensland. This particular set has newer Quartz Halogen signal heads which would've replace old Eagled or AWA signals. Corner of Centenary Highway and Moggill Road Indooroopilly, February 2002.

Image © Paul Rands

Curved Long Mast Arm:

This curved mast arm was once a common sight around the Gold Coast. This example was at the corner of Gold Coast Highway (SR2) & Palm Avenue, Surfers Paradise. March 2006.

Image © Paul Rands

Curved Long Mast Arm:

This curved mast arm was once a common sight around the Gold Coast. This example was at the corner of Gold Coast Hwy (SR2) and Pacific Av in Miami, February 2009.

Image © Rob Tilley

Mesh Mast Arm:

Mesh mast arms with newer Quartz Halogen signals on the corner of Kent and Bazaar Streets in Maryborough. August 2007. These mast arms were once also used to hold power lines for trams in the Brisbane tram system.

Image © Rob Tilley

Mesh Mast Arm:

Mesh mast arm still in use, March 2006. The signal is much newer than the structure to which it is mounted. Corner of Kent and Adelaide Streets, outside Maryborough City Hall. These mast arms were once also used to hold power lines for trams in the Brisbane tram system.

Image © Paul Rands

Old Mast Arm:

Rare mast arm signal post located outside St Francis Xavier Primary School, Bayview Street in Runaway Bay. This kind of mast arm was once common around the Gold Coast area, but with road improvements and deterioration of the posts, they all have been replaced. This was the last surviving one of its type. December 2006.

Image © Lachlan Sims

Old Mast Arm Signal with Target Board:

Old mast arm mounted signal with original yellow paint showing through the black paint at the corner McLean St and Marine Pde in Coolangatta, February 2009.

Image © Rob Tilley