TWO options are being considered to address the dangerous nature of the intersection of Durham and Rankin streets.
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Near-misses, and occasionally collisions, have become commonplace at the intersection as increased traffic volumes have led to longer wait times and frustrated drivers, who become impatient and make dangerous decisions.
There was also a fatality at the intersection around nine years ago,
The issue of the intersection was raised at the most recent Bathurst Regional Council meeting by councillor Ian North, who labelled it "shocking" and "dangerous".
Councillor Warren Aubin, a representative of council's traffic committee, has explained that two options are being considered by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) to address the intersection.
One of them will likely be chosen once the RMS completes its investigation into traffic across Bathurst, including through that intersection.
While traffic lights were previously earmarked, Cr Aubin understands the RMS is seriously considering limiting the turning options currently available to motorists.
"The thing that they were talking about, and it sounded very positive as to what they are going to do - is to make Rankin Street a left turn only," he said.
"So coming down Rankin Street, you won't be able to turn right onto Durham Street or go straight across."
He said a concrete blister would be used to prevent right turns, but motorists travelling east on Durham Street would still be able to turn right into Rankin Street.
This option, Cr Aubin believes, would best address the most problematic issue associated with the intersection.
"From a situation of sitting here looking at this intersection, the main problem we have is cars trying to get straight across," he said.
"To get rid of that percentage, I would think blisters would probably do the job."
As for traffic lights, Cr Aubin acknowledged they would be a safer option for pedestrians, but was concerned about having five sets of lights in five blocks on Durham Street.
"It gets a bit stagnant," he said.
Ultimately, both options are still on the table and it will be up to the RMS to determine which is the "best fit" for the intersection.
Cr Aubin expected a report to come back to council in mid-2019.
Bathurst Regional Access Committee (BRAC) chairman Bob Triming said that safety should come first and therefore traffic lights should be installed.
The access committee raised the issue when the IGA supermarket, which construction started on at the end of 2011, was being developed.
"The access committee back then said the corner of Rankin and Durham [streets] should have traffic lights, because it's going to be absolute bedlam," Mr Triming said.
READ ALSO: Nightmare on Rankin Street
He said traffic lights would make it easier for elderly people and those with mobility aids to cross the roads, as well as stop people getting stuck on refuge islands while waiting for a gap in traffic.
Mr Triming was also concerned that a concrete blister may impact on police vehicles trying to respond to emergency situations.
However, Cr Aubin disagreed, saying that police usually take Russell Street if they need to get onto the highway.