Talk of traffic lights for corner

DRIVING through the intersection at Spring and Iolanthe Sts in South Grafton is like trying to solve a Rubik's cube.

Clarence Valley deputy mayor Craig Howe stands at the disliked intersection.

DRIVING through the intersection at Spring and Iolanthe Sts in South Grafton is like trying to solve a Rubik's cube.

Built as a result of growing industrial and commercial development in the area by Clarence Valley Council in 2006, the intersection has been dubbed "confusing" and "dangerous" by local residents who want it improved.

Following an accident near the intersection on May 7, members of the Facebook group Clarence Valley Rate Payers, Residents and Business Owners have expressed their frustration online, with one member Amy Morgan suggesting installing traffic lights.

"The intersection is a shemozzle. Traffic lights will make it easier for people to navigate the area," she said.

"There are numerous factors which make the intersection dangerous.

"Drivers use the left-hand turning lane in Spring St as a merging lane and a lot of cars pull out in front of others. There are a number of lanes which cross over and I think people get confused because they don't know which lane they are supposed to be in."

Ms Morgan also says traffic pulling in and out of a nearby service station and speeding motorists on the Pacific Hwy are additional hazards.

"I think traffic lights are a good solution to minimise the risks for drivers and ensure a constant break-up of fast moving traffic," she said.

Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) data shows in the five years to September 2011 there was one confirmed crash at this intersection. A company representative said RMS was also aware of the recent crash at the location.

"I have almost been cleaned up at the intersection a few times. I have no doubt it needs to be made safer," Ms Morgan said.

To manage traffic flow through the intersection during construction, priority was given to motorists on Iolanthe St to remove queuing on the Pacific Hwy waiting to turn left or right.

Deputy mayor Craig Howe said the intersection had been placed on a priority list alongside numerous Clarence Valley roadways.

He said he was aware of public concern surrounding the intersection.

He said the council would identify and discuss local intersections which needed work at a meeting held last night.

RMS is investigating the issues associated with the intersection of Spring and Iolanthe Sts and its closeness to the Pacific Hwy.

The representative said RMS would discuss the intersection further with the council to develop possible future improvements as development in the area grew.

Originally published as Talk of traffic lights for corner