Interim chairperson Bob Triming said the committee first raised safety concerns about the intersection more than a decade ago, when planning was under way for the supermarket in Rankin Street.

He said BRAC was worried about accessible parking, but also the safety of pedestrians trying to cross the nearby intersection

"It was envisaged an increase in traffic would result after the development was opened and pedestrians would be put at risk unless traffic control devices were installed. BRAC's concerns went unheeded," Mr Triming said.

"Sure enough, this intersection has been a complete nightmare for pedestrians attempting to cross Rankin near the chainsaw retailer.

"Having to look four ways and cross three lanes of traffic, mobility aid users and many others found it safer to avoid that crossing and went up to Howick to cross.

"This not only includes pedestrians on their way to the CBD but also customers wanting to access IGA."

READ ALSO: BRAC urges businesses to apply for Bathurst Access Improvement Grants

But now, the intersection is much easier for pedestrians to navigate safely.

Transport for NSW has engaged Bathurst Regional Council to enlarge the raised concrete medians and limit traffic to left turn only onto Durham Street from Rankin Street.

Pedestrian refuges are also being added, which is something BRAC had asked council to do through now mayor Ian North.

Mr Triming has tested out the new-look intersection and said it has enabled him to cross there after years of avoiding it.

"It is now great to see the installation of these refuges. I have already used the one on the southern side of the intersection twice. It is now so much safer and easier to cross as I only have to worry about traffic coming from one way to cross the first side of the street and from two ways to cross the second side of the street," he said.

"Previously I had to judge if it was safe enough to cross avoiding traffic coming from four directions at a reasonably high speed.

"The installation of the turn left islands and the pedestrian refuges is a massive improvement to the safety of motorists and certainly that of pedestrians. Well done to council and the RMS."

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