TAMWORTH Regional Council is aiming to construct a roundabout at the accident prone Moore Creek Rd and Browns Ln intersection by the end of this financial year, but local residents say it can’t come soon enough.
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TRC’s director of regional services, Peter Resch, said a roundabout is “ultimately part of the overall plan, but exactly when is subject to traffic generation and funding”.
Mr Resch said council has already completed a survey of the area but have yet to do a design and estimate of the project.
“The design is programmed to happen in this financial year, before February,” Mr Resch said.
Council has applied for black spot funding from the government and are expecting a response in April.
“Even if we are unsuccessful in black spot funding, we will still go ahead with the construction in May or June next year,” Mr Resch said.
“We will probably start construction this financial year and cross over into next financial year.”
Moore Creek resident Amanda Boyd said the community needs a roundabout as soon as possible.
“It’s not good enough we have to wait six or more months,” Ms Boyd said.
“How many more crashes need to happen before something is done?”
Ms Boyd has been living in the area for about 18 months and said she has seen at least five accidents at the intersection.
The most recent accident was last Tuesday when a man was knocked off his motorbike.
Councillor Phil Betts said the roundabout is a “matter of urgency” and the traffic committee has discussed a number of interim measures to put in place until it is constructed.
“The short term solutions include enhancing the visibility of the intersection with more signage and guide posts, and changes to the line markings, which again aims to makes the intersection more visible,” Cr Betts said.
