BATHURST Regional Council will finally consider putting aside money in its 2017-18 budget to fund a roundabout at the city’s worst intersection – almost 20 years after plans were first drawn up.
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Acting engineering services director Darren Sturgiss told last Wednesday’s monthly meeting that the item was being included in discussions as councillors and senior staff work on a draft management plan.
Mr Sturgiss said council would also apply for blackspot funding through Roads and Maritime Services to find a long-term solution to the problem intersection of Mitre, Lambert and Suttor streets outside the Assumption School at West Bathurst.
He was responding to another inquiry during public question time from West Bathurst resident Kent McNab who, with his wife Dianne, has now collected more than 3000 signatures in just four months demanding action at the intersection.
“That particular intersection has been included by council for consideration for funding and an application for blackspot funding,” Mr Sturgiss said.
“The rules have been changed such that now the intersection is likely to be eligible for that application.”
Earlier, Mr McNab hold told council that the previous Bathurst City Council had commissioned a $60,000 traffic study in 1997 that recommended major changes at the intersection.
“Council has been asleep at the wheel in relation to this intersection ever since,” he said.
Another resident, Matthew Hayes, echoed Mr McNab’s concerns and said the growth of residential areas to the west of Bathurst made the need for improved safety more important than ever.
