ONE of the worst intersections in the city is undergoing a safety upgrade with access to Durham Street from Rankin Street being changed to left turn only.
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Councillor Warren Aubin welcomed the move saying it was a long time coming.
The intersection has long been difficult to negotiate, and the site of many serious crashes, including a fatal accident on Christmas Day 2010.
Cr Aubin said he first raised the intersection as an issue with Transport NSW several years ago, he said initially traffic lights were considered as an option, but it would have meant six intersections in a row with traffic lights, which could have been "a bit too much."
He said he expected the left hand only turn, on both sides of the Rankin Street intersection to work quite well.
"As it is, if there is a car trying to turn right or go straight ahead, it blocks the view of drivers trying to turn left.
"This is going to stop that happening, the traffic will flow a lot easier."
A spokesperson for Transport NSW issued the following statement on Monday.
"Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions for road improvement work on the Great Western Highway at the Durham Street and Rankin Street intersection in Bathurst.
"Work will involve enlarging the raised concrete medians to create a safer intersection. This will permanently change access from Rankin Street onto Durham Street to be by left turn only.
"Work will be carried out between 9.30am and 3.30pm on weekdays, and is expected to take two weeks to complete, weather permitting."
"A reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place during work hours. Single lane closures, no right turn from Durham Street to Rankin Street and traffic control will be in place until the completion of work for the safety of motorists and workers."
"Please keep to speed limits and follow the direction of traffic control and signs. Motorists are advised to allow for an additional five minutes of travel time."
"Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time."
Cr Aubin said Bathurst Regional Council had been approached by Transport NSW to undertake the works as Transport NSW's works program was already at capacity.