A DANGEROUS intersection will be rectified with a $1.7 million roundabout.
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Residents west of Moore Creek Road have made complaints to Tamworth Regional Council since 2017.
“There were quite a few incidents here, the Roads and Maritime Services who managed the federal government’s program were certainly aware of the increase in incidents here,” council’s regional services director Peter Resch said.
“That’s probably what got it over the line.”
The road is used by more than 2500 vehicles each day, and the roundabout will receive an $800,000 funding injection from the federal government under the Black Spot Programme.
Construction will begin on Monday, with the two-lane roundabout widening the road shoulder and removing sight distance problems.
Residents living in Moore Creek Gardens and Windmill Downs will be heavily impacted by a partial road closure, and will need to use Browns Lane to access Manilla Road to come to town.
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce conducted a site inspection on Friday.
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“We’ve had some bad accidents in this part of the world, it’s something the council asked for and now we’re delivering,” he said.
“It will give people proper access and stop the prospect of someone being T-boned in this intersection.”
New developments in the Moore Creek area have brought an extra 10 to 20 thousand residents with them.
The increased traffic means the speed limit will be reduced to 60 kilometres an hour during construction, with the RMS conducting a speed limit review upon completion.
Mr Joyce said the short inconvenience would pay off once the job is done.
“We know it allows us to have a better outcome, a safer community and better roads and infrastructure for Tamworth,” he said.
“We’ve got to make sure the road infrastructure keeps up with the growth of the city.”
The project is a major undertaking, and is expected to be complete within two months.
“It will be finished before Christmas and in time for the Tamworth Country Music Festival,” council’s regional services director Mr Resch said.
“Eventually it will be sealed right through to Manilla Road.
“This is a project that’s been on our books for a while.”