The Western Advocate Facebook page lit up over the weekend as more than 200 readers offered their thoughts on the crossing – and all wanted to see it retained.

The outpouring of support has heartened the White Rock Progress Association which is leading the campaign to retain the crossing but Roads Minister Melinda Pavey has poured cold water on their plans.

The Lee Street level crossing was opened in July 2015 as part of the $85 million upgrade of the Great Western Highway at Kelso to provide an alternate route into town that avoided the worst of the roadwork.

It was only ever intended as a temporary measure given a state government policy against opening any new level crossings, but as work on the highway nears completion residents have started a campaign to keep it open.

They fear a new roundabout at the intersection of the highway and Littlebourne Street will become badly jammed during peak periods and say an alternate route into Bathurst from O’Connell, The Scots School and White Rock is needed in case of emergency.

Progress association president Warren Stocks said residents were considering the next step in their campaigns.

“The support of Bathurst community has been overwhelming – locals can see the real merit in keeping Lee Street open,” Mr Stocks said.

“It screams of common sense to install boom gates.

“I am now considering starting a petition and hoping to gain the support of our local member Paul Toole. We may not be successful but it is too important an issue just to give up on.”

But Ms Pavey ruled out any hope of the level crossing being retained.

Ms Pavey was confident the new roundabout would be able to cope with the extra traffic that would follow the closure of the level crossing.

“I understand there are community concerns about congestion once the Lee Street diversion closes,” she said.

“… The diversion was only ever intended as a temporary measure and its purpose has been fulfilled.

“It’s time now, though, for the community to move forward as we progress with the $85 million Great Western Highway upgrade.

“Once the upgrade is complete, a second crossing across the railway won’t be needed as the dual highway will be adequate to carry traffic volumes.”

Bathurst MP Paul Toole also had no good news.

“I have made representations about the possibility of Lee Street remaining open but there was an agreement at the start that it would only be temporary,” he said.

Mr Toole said the option of building a road over the rail crossing at Lee Street would cost around $30 million, making it not viable.