Calala Lane upgrade: NRMA weighs into debate about controversial upgrade plan for Calala Lane and Campbell Road intersection

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said Tamworth Regional Council had "failed to address the concerns of local residents", and that building opposition to the plan is proof of a lack of consultation.

"I think ultimately just the reaction from the community suggests that more work needs to be done here," he said.

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"Our observation is that this is a genuine concern by the local community. We're talking about a intersection that is near a school zone. The concerns that have been brought to us, and extensively and consistently brought to the council, those concerns appear to be growing.

"When it comes to safety you've got to find the right solution and the local community are pretty clear they want the best outcome. Normally when it comes to road safety locals know best"

Calala residents have slammed the Campbell Road and Calala Lane upgrade design as "dangerous", particularly for nearby children. They have said the proposed roundabout should instead be traffic lights.

Opponents have also taken their concerns to a local crash investigator, an insurance company and politicians.

Mr Khoury said the National Roads and Motorists' Association had been in touch with locals and kept abreast of the issue.

"Our strong recommendation to council is that they review this matter," he said.

"What is clear is they have failed to address the concerns of local residents and those concerns are growing. The NRMA is always of the view that the best road safety solutions are local. So council needs to give consideration about where it goes next."

Council has approved the final design for the $800,000 intersection upgrade and plans to complete the job by August.

Opponent Brad Welsh said he hoped the NRMA's intervention would convince council to can the deadline, in order to give the project a second look.

"You're only going to get one shot at this let's get it right. To build something when they've been told it's not going to work and it's going to increase risk is a ludicrous outcome," he said.

Mr Welsh said traffic lights would actually be a cheaper option, and would also be safer and accommodate greater carrying capacity.

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"It's the worst possible outcome at the biggest price," he said.

A spokesperson for Tamworth Regional Council said the NRMA had not made contact with council in regard to the project, but they would welcome their input if they had concerns.

The spokesperson listed a number of consultation activities council had conducted, including two face-to-face consultation sessions, a letterbox drop to nearby residents about the project, a fact sheet sent to all Calala businesses in August 2020 and individual meetings with directly affected residents.

In an earlier statement to the Leader the council spokesperson said they had undertaken "extensive community consultation for the construction works".

"No concerns have been raised recently by residents with council staff as part of the community consultation process. Council will continue to consult and engage with the community throughout the construction period," the spokesperson said.

No section of footpath in the construction zone will be permanently removed, and pedestrian refuges will be installed at the Calala Lane and Campbell Road crossings to "improve safety", he said.

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